The Agricultural Social Entrepreneurship Foundation (ASEF International), in partnership with the Rivers State Cooperative Federation (RCF) and Everand Business Support Services (EBS), has launched the Nonachi Insect Farming Training Centre in Port Harcourt, kicking off Project Waste4Meal.
This groundbreaking initiative, supported by Dutch partner New Generation Nutrition (NGN), aims to train and empower 23,000 youths and women in sustainable insect farming. With a projected investment of ₦20.45 billion, the project is set to create 25,000 jobs over the next four years by developing insect farming clusters and integrating them into a broader circular agricultural system that includes poultry, aquaculture, rabbitry, and greenhouse farming.
A key focus is transforming organic waste into valuable products such as insect-based protein feed, organic fertiliser, and edible oils—driving down livestock feed costs and promoting zero-waste agriculture. ASEF's CEO, Mrs. Rosemary Adebayo, highlighted the value of Black Soldier Fly larvae in reducing feed expenses and boosting local farm productivity.
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One hundred insect larvariums are planned, with each expected to produce 1.5 metric tons of larvae and six tons of organic fertiliser monthly. These units will be owned by cooperatives but integrated into a centralized waste processing system.
The initiative has drawn strong support from agricultural stakeholders. The Poultry Association of Nigeria (Rivers chapter) praised the project for addressing feed cost challenges, while the Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture endorsed it as a tool to re-engage youth in modern agribusiness.
The President of RCF, Hon. Brilliant Amadi, affirmed the cooperative's commitment to mobilising investment, while EBS CEO, Retired Lt. Cmdr. Chikeziri, assured of strategic security and infrastructure plans to sustain the project.
Though full-scale operations are set for February 2026, the training centre is already accepting enrolments, opening new doors for small business development in the agricultural sector.
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