© Maltento
Over recent years, the emerging practice of industrial insect farming has been steadily gaining popularity. According to Antonine Hubert, second vice-president of the International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed, the sector has become the fastest-growing sustainable protein production industry in the European Union.
With over €1.5 billion invested in EU insect-producing companies, insect farming has begun to prove its significance in the global economy, and offers seemingly great potential for the aquafeeds industry.
In light of this, Dean Smorenburg, chief executive at Maltento – an insect producer - emphasises the potential for insect farming in Africa: “Insect farming in Africa offers a revolutionary way to create more sustainable food sources. By rearing insects like Black Soldier Flies (BSF), we are able to convert organic waste into high-value products such as animal feed and fertilisers, reducing environmental impact and promoting circular economic practices - not just on our continent, but globally too,” he said, in a press release.
Smorenburg explains his belief that the key to the potential of insect farming lies in the impacts of the industry’s products. For example, Protix, a Netherlands-based insect farming company, conducted a study that revealed significant environmental savings: their insect meal reduces CO2 emissions by 78 percent compared to poultry meal, and their insect fat requires 99.9 percent less land than coconut oil.
Despite these potential benefits presented by insect farming, the industry still has its drawbacks: “Some farms still rely on expensive, high-quality feed inputs rather than food waste. While these critiques are valid, it’s essential to recognise that every industry faces growing pains. Insect farming is still evolving, and with the right innovations, we can overcome these challenges,” said Smorenburg.
“In Africa, the availability of food waste streams from industries like beer production and bread mills offers a unique opportunity. This region has the potential to become a world leader in sustainable insect farming, diverting hundreds of thousands of kilograms of food waste from landfills and creating a circular economy,” he concluded.
