NextFarm Feed

Africa, renowned for its diverse ecosystems and abundant agricultural potential, confronts a notable paradox. On one hand, the region grapples with a significant surplus of biowaste stemming from agricultural activities. Globally, approximately one-third of all food produced is lost or wasted annually, amounting to staggering economic losses estimated at US$1 trillion. Within Sub-Saharan Africa alone, an alarming 37% of the 120-170kg per capita yearly food output goes to waste across various stages of the value chain. Simultaneously, there exists an urgent quest for sustainable remedies to combat climate change, rejuvenate soil health, enhance food productivity, and ensure access to nutritious diets for its populace.

The swift pace of urbanization, industrial expansion, and population surge has triggered a drastic surge in waste production, notably food waste and organic matter. In 2016, Sub-Saharan Africa generated an estimated 174 million tonnes of waste, translating to a daily rate of 0.46 kg per capita, with projections indicating a tripling of this figure by 2050. This trajectory positions the continent as the world's fastest-growing waste-generating region by mid-century. Notably, organic waste accounts for up to 57% of the total waste output, with agriculture being a primary contributor to this burgeoning stream. Left unaddressed, this burgeoning waste exacerbates the strain on already scarce resources and significantly amplifies greenhouse gas emissions.

The impending challenge of feeding a global population of nine billion by 2040, while ensuring their nutritional needs are met sustainably, looms large. The current methods of protein production impose a heavy toll on the planet's finite resources. Practices such as overfishing, deforestation for agriculture, and extensive transportation of protein sources across vast distances are precipitating profound ecological transformations. Notably, a significant portion of the fish catch, amounting to a third, is diverted for animal feed, further exacerbating oceanic imbalances and jeopardizing local livelihoods. Moreover, the reliance on imported soy from South America to feed livestock exacts a significant environmental toll, contributing substantially to greenhouse gas emissions and encroaching upon wildlife habitats.

As Africa grapples with the challenges of sustainable agriculture, food security, and climate resilience, the black soldier fly offers a compelling solution..

NextFarm specializes in producing high-quality ingredients for animal feed, meticulously tailored to fulfill the nutritional requirements of a diverse array of creatures, ranging from chickens to farmed fish. Our production process is characterised by meticulous care for our larvae, ensuring they receive optimal conditions in terms of temperature, environmental factors, and nutrition. 

At NextFarm, we sustainably nourish our insects with a distinctive blend of locally-sourced grain, fruit, and vegetable remnants. Our insect-based products are circular, soy-free, locally produced, and distributed, boasting a minimal ecological footprint. They represent an ideal sustainable alternative to conventional protein sources.

Insects function as nature's ingenious upcyclers, bridging crucial gaps in our food system. By harnessing their potential, we can transition towards a circular food system, departing from resource-depleting linear production models.

NextFarm utilise black soldier fly Indigenous to many regions of Africa, the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) stands out as a non-pest insect renowned for its exceptional waste-conversion capabilities. With its voracious appetite for organic waste, rapid growth rate, and nutrient-rich larvae, this insect offers a multifaceted solution to the dual challenge of biowaste management and climate change.

The black soldier fly (BSF) deposits its eggs in decaying matter, where the larvae, the true protagonists, undergo development. As they feed, the larvae break down a broad spectrum of organic materials, ranging from food scraps to animal manure, agricultural residues, and even sewage sludge. These larvae convert the waste materials into two highly valuable resources for the agricultural sector: protein-rich larvae biomass and nutrient-rich residue, known as "frass."  Moreover, the larvae themselves serve as a protein-rich food source, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional poultry and fish feed. The second product, the nutrient-rich frass, is employed as a potent fertiliser, replacing synthetic fertilisers that contribute to climate change through high energy consumption during manufacture, nitrogen oxide (N2O) emissions during usage, and degradation of soil health and water pollution post-usage.

We directly sell our products to farmers and producers in the poultry and aquaculture industries by providing them with high-quality, sustainable animal feed ingredients derived from insects. This alternative feed source offers farmers a reliable and environmentally friendly option, helping them reduce production costs while enhancing the health and productivity of their livestock. For consumers, our solution promotes access to ethically sourced animal products, aligning with their growing concerns about sustainability and ethical food production. By supporting farmers who utilize insect-based feed, consumers can make choices that contribute to a more sustainable and humane food system. Moreover, our commitment to sourcing local, organic waste materials for insect feed production benefits the communities where we operate. By diverting food waste from landfills and creating job opportunities in rural areas, we foster economic growth while promoting environmental stewardship. Lastly, our approach to insect-based protein production has significant implications for environmental conservation, reducing reliance on destructive practices like overfishing and deforestation.

NextFarm team is uniquely positioned to deliver this solution due to our deep understanding of the challenges faced by farmers, particularly in aquaculture and livestock sectors. Led by Ms. Farhina, who holds a background in agricultural economics, our team collectively brings diverse expertise in agriculture, entomology, sustainable development, and community engagement.

Ms. Farhina's journey began with her realization of the exorbitant costs associated with traditional feed ingredients like fish meal and soybean meal, which prompted her to explore alternative protein sources to address the pressing need for affordable and sustainable feed solutions. This led to the inception of NextFarm, which initially started as a consultancy firm serving farmers' needs.

Throughout our journey, community engagement has been central to our approach. We prioritize listening to and incorporating feedback from local stakeholders, ensuring that our solutions are not only technically sound but also culturally and economically appropriate. By actively involving communities in the design and implementation process, we ensure that our solutions are meaningful and impactful to the people they serve. 

Since NextFarm inception in late 2022, NextFarm has achieved significant milestones in producing and distributing sustainable products to address agricultural needs.

We have successfully produced and sold 21 metric tons of dried black soldier fly larvae to poultry and fish farmers, providing them with a high-quality and affordable protein source for their animals. Additionally, we have distributed 42 tons of frass to vegetable and flower farmers, offering them a nutrient-rich fertilizer alternative to enhance soil health and crop productivity.

Throughout our journey, we have served a total of more than 38 farmers across the country, directly impacting their operations and contributing to the sustainability of their agricultural practices.

We're applying to Solve to leverage its network for expertise, funding, and guidance. Specifically, we seek assistance in overcoming technical challenges in insect-based protein production, accessing funding for scaling our solution, navigating regulatory hurdles, and addressing cultural acceptance. Solve's support will enable us to refine our approach, expand our impact, and drive positive social change.

 NextFarm solution is innovative in several key ways:

1. Sustainable Protein Production: We utilize black soldier flies to convert organic waste into protein-rich larvae, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional protein sources like fish meal and soybean meal. This approach not only addresses the pressing need for affordable and environmentally friendly feed but also reduces reliance on resource-intensive production methods.

2. Circular Economy Model: By harnessing the natural capabilities of black soldier flies to upcycle organic waste, we create a closed-loop system where waste is transformed into valuable resources. This circular economy model minimizes waste generation, conserves resources, and promotes environmental sustainability.

3. Community Engagement: We prioritize community engagement throughout our process, actively involving local stakeholders in the design and implementation of our solutions. By listening to and incorporating feedback from farmers, we ensure that our products meet their specific needs and challenges, fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration within the communities we serve.

4. Market Disruption: Our innovative approach has the potential to disrupt the traditional feed market dominated by expensive and environmentally damaging ingredients. By offering a cost-effective and sustainable alternative, we can catalyze broader positive impacts within the agricultural industry, encouraging other players to adopt similar practices and driving systemic change towards more sustainable food production methods.

Our solution at NextFarm uses special flies called black soldier flies to help solve two big problems in farming: expensive animal food and too much waste. These flies are amazing because they can eat things that humans don't want anymore, like old food and leftover plants. When the flies eat these things, they turn them into something useful: protein-rich bugs and nutrient-packed fertilizer. This means farmers can use the bugs to feed their animals, making animal food cheaper and more sustainable. Plus, they can use the fertilizer to help their plants grow better. By doing this, we're not only helping farmers save money, but we're also reducing waste and protecting the environment.

NextFarm are multi-faceted and aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Sustainable Consumption and Production (SDG 12), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Gender Equality (SDG 5), and Climate Action (SDG 13). We measure our progress towards these goals through various indicators and outcomes:

a. Gender Inclusion and Employment Creation: We empower women across the agricultural value chain by providing training and employment opportunities in waste management, larvae harvesting, processing, and distribution. We track the number of women trained and employed in these roles, as well as their economic empowerment and contribution to local economic growth.

b. Biowaste to Feed: Our goal is to efficiently convert organic waste into protein-rich biomass and larvae for use in livestock and fish feed. We measure our progress by quantifying the amount of waste diverted from landfills, the reduction in traditional feed reliance among local farmers, and the cost savings achieved through the use of black soldier fly meal compared to soybean meal. Additionally, we monitor the impact on poultry feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio, as well as the quality of the meat produced.

c. Soil Enrichment: We aim to enrich soil fertility through the sale of nutrient-rich organic fertilizers derived from black soldier fly larvae frass. We measure our impact by assessing the uptake of these fertilizers by local farmers, the improvement in soil health and crop productivity, and the reduction in chemical fertilizer usage.

d. Carbon Sequestration: Our goal is to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by diverting biowaste from landfills and reducing the demand for traditional animal feed production. We measure our impact by quantifying the amount of methane emissions avoided, as well as the reduction in the carbon footprint associated with livestock feed production.

NextFarm core technology revolves around the utilization of black soldier flies (Hermetia illucens) and their remarkable ability to convert organic waste into valuable resources. This process involves biotechnology principles applied to insect farming, waste management, and sustainable agriculture.

1. Black Soldier Flies (BSF): These flies are chosen for their voracious appetite for organic waste and their ability to rapidly convert it into biomass. BSF larvae are particularly efficient at breaking down a wide range of organic materials, including food scraps, animal manure, agricultural residues, and sewage sludge.

2. Larvae Production Unit: The larvae production unit is a controlled environment where black soldier flies lay eggs, which hatch into larvae. This unit is designed to optimize conditions such as temperature, humidity, and substrate composition to ensure the healthy growth and development of the larvae.

3. Biowaste Conversion: Organic waste collected from various sources is fed to the black soldier fly larvae. The larvae consume the waste material, breaking it down through a process called bioconversion. During this process, the larvae secrete enzymes and microorganisms that help to decompose the organic matter into simpler compounds.

4. Biomass Harvesting: Once the larvae have completed their feeding cycle, they are harvested as biomass. This biomass is rich in protein and fats, making it an ideal ingredient for animal feed. The harvested larvae can be processed into various forms, such as meal or pellets, for convenient use in feed formulations.

5. Frass Production: In addition to biomass, the larvae also produce frass, which is the residue left behind after digestion. Frass is nutrient-rich and acts as an organic fertilizer, providing essential nutrients for plant growth and soil health.

We are two cofounders working full-time on the business plus other 3 full time employees and two contractors. But also we have more than 5 women's working on waste collection and segregation.

It's been two years since we started working on our solution.

NextFarm is 100% female founded, but we prioritise diversity, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace where all team members feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. Our recruitment practices are designed to attract candidates from diverse backgrounds, and we ensure that all qualified individuals have equal opportunities for employment and advancement within our organization. We invest in ongoing training and development to support the growth and career advancement of our team members, regardless of their background or experience level. Our policies and procedures promote inclusivity and provide mechanisms for addressing any concerns or issues that may arise. We foster open communication and feedback, creating a safe and supportive environment where everyone's voice is heard and respected.

Our business model revolves around providing sustainable solutions for agricultural challenges while simultaneously generating revenue. We serve two key customer segments: Poultry and Fish farmers in need of affordable and sustainable animal feed, and Vegetables farmer seeking organic fertiliser.

For our customers, we offer a range of products and services designed to address their needs:

1. NextFarm Feed (Black Soldier Fly Larvae protein): We provide high-quality, protein-rich black soldier fly larvae as an alternative source of animal feed for poultry and fish farming. Our larvae are produced sustainably from organic waste, offering a cost-effective and eco-friendly option for farmers looking to reduce their reliance on traditional feed ingredients like soybean meal and fish meal. we sell 1kg at $1.5 USD

2. NextFarm Organic Fertiliser (Frass): We produce and distribute nutrient-rich organic fertiliser derived from black soldier fly larvae frass. This fertilizer helps to enrich soil fertility and improve crop yields, providing farmers with a natural and sustainable solution for soil enrichment. We sell 5kg at $5 USD

3. Consultation and Training: We offer consultation and training services to farmers on the best ways to farm. We price on case by case basis.

At NextFarm, we are committed to achieving financial sustainability through a multifaceted approach that encompasses diverse revenue streams while staying true to our mission of delivering impactful solutions to agricultural challenges. We have been able to generate revenue through selling sustainable agricultural products such as black soldier fly larvae and organic fertiliser, this enables us to capture market demand while addressing critical agricultural needs. Through strategic efforts, we have been able to raise $15,000 USD from the Commission of Science and Technology in Tanzania, providing essential support for our initiatives. Additionally, our revenue streams have yielded $42,000 USD, demonstrating the viability and market demand for our sustainable protein and organic fertiliser.