IN the bustling heart of Harare’s Glen View and Budiriro communities, where the stench of uncollected garbage often lingers, a beacon of hope has emerged.
The Community Water Alliance (CWA), in partnership with UN Habitat and Chinhoyi University of Technology, have started a revolutionary initiative that seeks to turn waste into wealth through the innovative power of black soldier fly technology.
“At the core of this transformative project are the voracious black soldier fly larvae. These resilient creatures possess the remarkable ability to digest a wide range of organic materials, including food waste, agricultural by-products and other biodegradable matter,” Chris Gohori, the programmes manager for CWA, said as he explained the concept of the project underway in Glen View and Budiriro.
“As the larvae consume these organic wastes, they break down the compounds and convert them into nutrient-rich biomass,” he elaborated enthusiastically and knowledgeably.
Further, he observed that the initiative will transform organic waste into valuable resources, creating sustainable animal feed and fertiliser while promoting a circular economy.
“By diverting waste from landfills and illegal dumpsites, we can minimise greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a cleaner environment,” Gohori asserted.
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The biomass produced by the black soldier fly larvae is then harvested and processed into two primary products: animal feed and organic fertiliser.
“The larvae are exceptionally high in protein and essential nutrients, making them an excellent source of feed for livestock, poultry and aquaculture,” Gohori stated.
The nutrient-rich frass, or larval excrement, is a potent natural fertiliser that can be used to enrich soil and promote sustainable agriculture, he notes.
“We’re eager to share our knowledge and support the local community in developing the necessary skills for this project’s success,” said Brandon Maonere, the lead researcher from Chinhoyi University of Technology during a recent meeting.
“This working partnership aligns with our mission to translate academic research into practical, sustainable solutions that improve lives,” he added.
Maonere observed that the beauty of this technology lies in its scalability and adaptability.
Black soldier fly farming systems can be implemented at various scales, from small household set-ups to large-scale industrial operations.
Companies like Soldier Fly Technologies and Bio Cycle Labs offer customisable solutions that can be tailored to specific waste management and production needs, he noted.
For Tendai, one of the women recyclers involved in the project, this initiative represents a significant opportunity.
“I’ve struggled to make ends meet, but this black soldier fly project offers a chance to create a sustainable income stream,” she shared with NewsDay recently.
“Training from Chinhoyi University of Technology through Community Water Alliance is invaluable and I'm excited to learn how to transform biodegradable waste to usable products,” she noted with delight.
Joana, from Budiriro, echoed Tendai’s sentiments: “This project is precisely what we need in our neighbourhood. The piles of rotting garbage have attracted pests and contributed to disease spread.
“I’m hopeful that the black soldier fly initiative will not only clean up our community, but also create jobs and empower women like us.”
A representative from the Women Affairs ministry viewed the initiative as vital for promoting gender equality and economic empowerment.
“Involving women in this sustainable waste management project creates opportunities for them to become self-reliant and contribute to their communities’ development,” she stated.
Ongoing research in this field is focused on optimising farming practices, improving production efficiency and exploring new applications for the black soldier fly.
From the potential use of the larvae in bio-conversion processes for biofuel production to the development of novel biomaterials, the possibilities are endless.
“This will enhance health standards in communities known as cholera hotspots,” quipped Joy Nyachuru, the secretary for Combined Harare Residents Association in Glen View 3.
“Redirecting waste away from landfills and illegal dumping grounds will not only reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions, but also foster a cleaner, healthier environment for our communities,” she stated.
UN Habitat representative, Frederic Maponga, echoed this sentiment: “By transforming waste into valuable resources, we not only tackle environmental challenges but also create economic opportunities, particularly for women and youth.”
Hardlife Mudzingwa, the national co-ordinator for CWA, said: “We must shift away from the outdated ‘collect, transport, and discard’ approach to waste management.”
He added that the success of the project underscored the power of collaboration and community-driven solutions.
“Embracing innovative technologies like the black soldier fly from Kenya can transform how we sustainably process and repurpose our community’s organic waste.”
In a nation grappling with the dual challenges of waste management and economic empowerment, the black soldier fly project stands as a beacon of hope.
It embodies resilience, innovation and the transformative power of embracing the circular economy — an inspiring narrative with the potential to uplift communities across Zimbabwe and beyond.