1.0 Introduction  

Uganda still faces challenges with waste management, particularly with organic waste,  which is indeed significant. Organic waste, originating from various sources such as  households, markets, institutions, and agricultural activities, forms a large portion of the  waste generated in the country. This presents a range of environmental issues, primarily due  to the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) like methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide  into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and can also be regarded as an emerging  threat not only to human health but also to biodiversity and the ecosystem. Environmental  concerns associated with this overwhelming level of waste, include contamination of water,  air, and soil and can also contribute to the spread of pathogens.  

Proper management of solid waste is a major challenge. In low- and middle-income  countries, the largest waste fraction is organic, mostly from the markets. In Uganda, the  markets include Kalerwe market, Nakawa market, Nakasero market and so many other  markets across the country that have greatly contributed to organic waste. The organic waste  has been commonly treated using landfilling, composting, or incineration. However, there  are several drawbacks linked with landfill disposal, such as the occupation of valuable space  taken up by wastes, the spread of pathogenic organisms, the production of undesirable odors  as well as contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. 

In this project, we delve into one of the strategies/methods organic wastes can be managed  and this method is a Maggot Facilitated Waste Management System.  

Maggot farming, particularly using Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) is used to consume the  organic waste and this emerges as a sustainable approach, efficiently reducing the organic  waste and producing valuable products such as Fresh Larvae (Rich in protein for animal  feeds), biofertilizer used to enhance regenerative agriculture for crop husbandry etc., which  enhance the economy through revenue generated from the sale of these valuable products  and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers which are costly, and enhance agriculture,  meeting the demand for affordable protein sources in animal feed, hence contributing to the  economic aspect and as well promoting a regenerative agriculture approach. Lastly, the  environment stands to benefit from this process as the GHG emissions that would be emitted  to the atmosphere by the waste are instead minimized when the wastes are converted into  valuable products with less emission to the atmosphere. This aligns with Uganda’s  commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and mitigating climate change effects.  Furthermore, the production of biofertilizers reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers, which  are detrimental to soil health and ecosystem balance. 

This study aims to conduct a biotechno-economic evaluation of maggot facilitated waste  management system, evaluating the biotechnical and economic feasibility of the facility and  its environmental benefit relating to the GHG emissions potentially minimized in operating  such a facility by using a case study maggot farm owned and operated by the Women  Income Network in Uganda, a local Non-Government Organization (NGO) promoting  maggot farming among women and youth hence contributing to socio-economic  development in the region.

The biotechno-economic evaluation of the maggot-facilitated waste management system  demonstrates its feasibility and effectiveness in addressing Uganda’s organic waste  challenges. By harnessing the potential of Black Soldier Fly Larvae, the system not only  reduces environmental pollution but also generates revenue and promotes sustainable  development. Investing in such innovative waste management solutions holds promise for a  cleaner, greener, and more prosperous future for Uganda. 

1.1 Background 

Uganda is a country that faces problems with waste management and food security, as well as  opportunities for agricultural development and economic growth one of the reasons being an  increase in population. Cities around the world currently generate around 1.3 billion tonnes of  waste annually and this value is expected to increase to 2.2 billion by 2025(68135-REVISED What-a-Waste-2012-Final-Updated, n.d.).  

In Kampala, Uganda, about 28,000 tonnes of waste are collected and delivered to landfill every  month. Kampala Capital City Authority records show that this represents approximately 40 %  of the waste generated in the city. The remaining uncollected waste is normally burnt and/or  dumped in unauthorized sites, causing health and environmental problems. However, the  organic fraction of domestic waste can provide an opportunity to improve livelihoods and  incomes through fertilizer and energy production (Komakech et al., 2014).  

The leachate generated from landfills is also a contaminant to surface and groundwater sources.  Landfills are also sources of fires and explosions, unpleasant odors, vermin, mosquitoes, flies,  scattering of garbage by scavenger birds and (A Practical Guide to Landfill Management in  Pacific Island Countries and Territories-How to Improve Your Waste Disposal Facility and Its  Operation in an Economical and Effective Way-Volume-1: Inland-Based Waste Disposal (2 Nd  Edition), n.d.) this poses serious environmental and health risks, such as air pollution and  disease transmission. 

The country generates organic waste from various sources, including households, markets, and  agricultural activities such as animal waste in livestock production which is known to be  associated with large environmental impacts, including emissions of greenhouse gases such as  methane and nitrous oxide, ammonia volatilization, and leaching of nitrate (Livestocks Long  Shadow Environmental Issues and Options, n.d.) and carbon dioxide, which causes climate  change.  

As it was mentioned before, because of the increasing world population, food production will  have to increase dramatically too, which is expected to pose big environmental and social  challenges around the world. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were proposed by  the United Nations in 2015 as a strategy to address and find solutions to 17 global challenges  before 2030 (Goal 2: Zero Hunger – United Nations Sustainable Development, n.d.;  Sustainable Development Goals: 17 Goals to Transform Our World | United Nations, n.d.). At  least five of these goals are directly or indirectly connected to feeding the growing human  population sustainably. From tackling climate change, protecting ecosystems, and ensuring  sustainable consumption and production patterns to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well being for all at all ages, it seems that when it comes to achieving food security there are many factors to take into account. This high interconnection demands innovative solutions to address  such challenges from all possible angles. 

Therefore, there is a need for innovative and sustainable solutions that can address the problems  of waste management and food security in Uganda, while also creating economic opportunities  and social benefits for the population.  

Even though the country is facing these challenges, organizations have adopted maggot  farming as an innovative solution to waste management and food security. Maggot farming  involves the cultivation of black soldier fly larvae, which can efficiently decompose organic  waste, turning it into valuable compost and reducing the volume of waste in landfills. This  process not only helps in managing waste effectively but also produces high-protein feed for  livestock, contributing to food security. 

The adoption of maggot farming presents a dual benefit: it addresses the critical issue of waste  management by converting organic waste into useful products, and it supports agricultural  development by providing an affordable and sustainable source of animal feed. This, in turn,  can help boost economic growth, as farmers can reduce their feed costs and improve their  livestock production. 

Moreover, with Uganda’s growing population, the need for sustainable solutions becomes even  more pressing. Maggot farming offers a scalable and eco-friendly method to handle the  increasing waste, while simultaneously supporting the agricultural sector. By transforming  organic waste into valuable resources, Uganda can make strides towards a more sustainable  and prosperous future. 

Maggot farming which shall be the main focus of this research project proposal. Maggots, using the larvae of black soldier fly (BSF), for various purposes are harmless to humans and animals,  as they do not transmit diseases or bite, present a practical option for organic waste  management by producing feed materials (protein, fat), biodiesel, chitin and biofertilizer i.e.,  efficient break down organic matter into nutrient-rich compost which serves as an organic  fertilizer for agriculture (Kim et al., 2021). Therefore, BSF organic waste recycling is a  sustainable and cost-effective process that promotes resource recovery and generates valuable  products, thereby creating new economic opportunities for the industrial and agricultural  sectors and entrepreneurs (Rehman et al., 2023). 

Maggot farming as a waste management practice, consumes organic waste which is converted  into a valuable resource, reducing the environmental impact of landfill disposal and also  positive environmental and social impacts, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions,  improving waste management, creating employment, and enhancing food security and income  generation through reducing these emissions and earning carbon credits, (CLIMATE  INSURANCE Your Guide to Carbon Credits and Investing in the Net Zero Generation, 2021;  Espinosa et al., 2020; Holka et al., 2022)which are certificates that represent the removal of  one ton of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Carbon credits are a key component of  initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions(Carbon Credits and Carbon Markets:  Unlocking Benefits for Smallholder Farmers – Solidaridad Network, n.d.). They work within  the framework of carbon markets, allowing companies, organizations, or even individuals to  offset their emissions by investing in environmental projects that reduce or remove an  equivalent amount of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Maggot farming is a project that contributes to the reduction of CO₂ and other GHG from the atmosphere i.e., a process called  carbon offsetting. 

Therefore, Maggot farming, particularly through insect-based bioconversion, contributes to  carbon offsetting by transforming organic waste into biomass efficiently. Larvae, especially  those of black soldier flies, consume diverse organic materials like food waste and agricultural  by-products, curbing methane emissions that arise during anaerobic decomposition. By  averting methane release, which has a higher global warming potential than CO2, maggot  farming mitigates greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, it serves as an alternative protein  source, potentially reducing the environmental impact of conventional livestock feed  production. If properly regulated and certified through stringent verification processes, maggot  farming could potentially adopt carbon credits as a mechanism, recognizing its role in waste  management and emissions reduction, further incentivizing sustainable practices in waste-to biomass conversion within the carbon market framework. 

Maggot farming is therefore a win-win solution for waste management, agricultural  technology, and climate change mitigation. 

This sustainable approach addresses waste management and contributes to agricultural  sustainability by closing the nutrient loop and reducing the need for synthetic (chemical)  fertilizers with a high carbon footprint. Organic (Maggot) farming has the potential for reducing  Green House Gases (GHG) emissions and improving organic carbon sequestration. This system  eliminates synthetic nitrogen fertilizers and thus could lower global agricultural GHG  emissions(Babcock-Jackson et al., 2023; Holka et al., 2022).  

Additionally, Maggot bioconversion technology can deal with three main problems, namely:  the generation of organic waste, high prices of protein sources, and increasing demand for  animal feed hence enhancing a regenerative agriculture approach. Therefore, organic waste  management using maggot cultivation brings a sustainable environment and enhances organic  waste’s economic value (Handayani et al., 2021). 

In Uganda, maggot farming has been carried out by different profit and non-profit  organizations, and entrepreneurs for various reasons such as feeding, and selling the breed  stock for example, Marula Proteen in partnership with KCCA Proteen feeds urban organic  waste to Black Soldier Fly larvae. After a short rearing period these larvae can be harvested,  dried, and processed into high-quality protein feed for livestock, we also have Ento organic  farm that offers maggot farm training and conducts demonstrations in Uganda and others and  this has earned the different participants economically by providing employment opportunities  to the community members by selling the by-products obtained from maggot farming. In the  Case Study particularly, the by-products obtained are organic fertilizer and fresh larvae. The  Case Study is Women Income Network, a local non-governmental organization that promotes  and supports maggot farming among women and youth in Uganda. 

WIN (Women Income Network) is a prominent organization focused on empowering women  through sustainable and innovative agricultural practices. One of their key initiatives includes  maggot farming, particularly utilizing the Magtech technique, which involves the cultivation  of black soldier fly larvae for organic waste management and high-protein animal feed  production.

WIN is committed to refining and enhancing the operationalization of Magtech to maximize  its benefits. This involves ensuring that women involved in the project are well-trained in  advanced maggot farming techniques, including proper handling of organic waste, optimal  conditions for larvae growth, and effective harvesting methods. They are also incorporating  continuous research and development which is key to improving Magtech processes.  Additionally, WIN is developing scalable models that can be replicated across different regions  to expand the impact of maggot farming, ensuring more communities can benefit from this  sustainable practice. 

Despite the potential of maggot farming, WIN and other similar organizations face significant  socio-economic challenges, particularly due to the lack of full support from local governance  in waste mobilization. Effective waste collection and segregation are crucial for maggot  farming, yet many areas lack the necessary infrastructure to efficiently collect and transport  organic waste to farming sites, hampering the consistency and quality of feedstock available  for larvae. Local governance often does not prioritize waste management initiatives like  maggot farming, necessitating more supportive policies and incentives to encourage waste  segregation at the source and ensure a steady supply of organic waste. Raising awareness and  gaining community buy-in is essential, as many people are not aware of the benefits of maggot  farming and may resist adopting new waste disposal practices. 

Funding is a significant barrier, as many women in these programs may lack access to the  necessary capital to invest in the required infrastructure and technology for efficient maggot  farming. Furthermore, while maggot farming produces valuable animal feed, accessing broader  markets to sell these products can be challenging, necessitating better support in terms of  market linkages and fair pricing mechanisms. WIN is actively working to address these  challenges by advocating for more robust local governance support, improving community  awareness, and seeking partnerships with both the public and private sectors to provide the  necessary resources and infrastructure. By doing so, they aim to create a more sustainable and  economically viable model for maggot farming that can be replicated across Uganda and  beyond. 

Figure 1: A schematic of a BSF-based biorefinery for producing value-added products with concurrent valorization of  organic bioresources. Source:(Surendra et al., 2020)

This research aims to conduct a techno-economic examination of a maggot-facilitated waste  management system: Regenerative agriculture approach in Uganda, using a case study  approach at Women Income Network, a local non-governmental organization that promotes  and supports maggot farming among women and youth in Uganda ((40) WOMEN INCOME  NETWORK | LinkedIn, n.d.; Women Income Network (WIN) – The Resolution Project, n.d.). 

Table 1: The figures above represent the Location of the case study facility by the Women Income Network, in Kalagala Luweero, Uganda 

The technical process at WIN appears in the following categories namely  

1. Lifecycle-process of the treatment at WIN facility 
2. Waste at the facility. Waste received at the facility for the given period. Source of the  waste and distance from the facility. Waste is shredded in a given period.  3. Products obtained from the waste treated and breeding unit. 

A. Life-cycle process

At the Women Income Network (WIN) facility, the entire process can be summarized into the  following major stages; 

Figure 2: Technical: Production process at WIN. 

Waste preprocessing. At WIN, Market fruit and vegetable waste, such as pineapple, jackfruit,  and cabbage, make up organic garbage. It is trucked to the facility from markets like Kalerwe  and Nakawa markets. This waste is then cleaned up by taking out any unwanted materials like  plastic and polyethylene. It is then put through a shredder to be mashed up so the young larvae  can easily eat it. Finally, it is placed in drums for temporary storage and weighed before being  fed to the larvae.

Rearing and waste treatment. In order to maintain the lifecycle continuous, the young larvae  that will be utilized to treat this waste must be reared. They must feed on the shredded waste  that is delivered in the feeding units for 12 to 14 days before they are ready to be harvested. 

Product harvesting. Mature larvae and a mixture of biofertilizers are ready to be gathered  after 14 days of continuous feeding. The larger larvae are kept separate by sieving, allowing  the smaller worms to pass through the net. The adult larvae are then killed by immersing them  in boiling water, drying them under a green roof, and being sold in that form or crushed into  powder. After days of air drying, the biofertilizer is packaged into sacks and made available for  distribution.

Therefore, as compared to most BSF facilities, WIN adopts a similar process that utilizes  organic waste though specifically it has majored in fruit waste despite the organic waste sources  that can be utilized for this process being many, the products that WIN attains are Biofertilizer  used for regenerating the soil nutrients, and larvae meal rich in protein and suitable for animal  feeds, and lastly, eggs are also sold by WIN to out-growers and other farmers. 

This technology has been adopted by other maggot-facilitated systems such as Ento Organic  Farm Uganda LTD, Marula Proteen, and many others where they feed the Black Soldier Fly to  organic waste with the main source stemming from markets, providing a scalable solution to  waste management concerns and this BSF nutrient adds value to farmers to use it as animal  feed additives for healthier livestock and cost-effective organic fertilizer for farmers.(Ento  Organic Farm – Google Search, n.d.; MARULA PROTEEN – Google Search, n.d.) 

1.2 Problem statement 

Uganda’s absence of techno-economic studies on maggot farming for regenerative  agriculture and waste management makes it difficult to comprehend the advantages and  difficulties of this practice. An evaluation of this kind is essential for making well-informed  decisions and may result in better procedures through the adoption of successful global  models. A thorough investigation will allow interested parties to assess the sustainability and  viability of maggot farming, which might improve Uganda’s food security, waste reduction,  and economic growth.  

1.3 General Objectives 

1.3.1 Main Objective 

To conduct a Biotechno-economic evaluation of a maggot-facilitated waste management  system and regenerative agriculture approach using A case study at Women Income Network  in Uganda

1.3.2 Specific Objectives 

1. To examine the technical feasibility and performance of a maggot-facilitated system  for waste management and as an agriculture approach at a maggot facilitated system  at Women Income Network in Uganda.  
2. To examine the economic viability and profitability of maggot facilitated system for  waste management and as a regenerative agriculture approach at Women Income  Network in Uganda.  
3. To evaluate the environmental-SDG impacts of a maggot-facilitated system for waste  management and sustainable agriculture approach at Women Income Network 

1.4 Significance 

The significance of this research lies in its ability to offer investors, waste managers,  policymakers, and agricultural practitioners useful information and insights regarding maggot  farming as a feasible environmentally friendly solution that supports regenerative agriculture  in Uganda as well as waste reduction. 

1.5 Justification  

The Maggot Facilitated Waste Management System, championed by WIN (Women Income  Network) and utilizing Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL), offers a multifaceted solution to  Uganda’s organic waste challenges, delivering numerous environmental, economic, social,  technical, and operational benefits. 

From an environmental perspective, the system significantly reduces greenhouse gas  emissions. Organic waste in landfills produces substantial methane, a potent greenhouse gas.  By processing organic waste with BSFL, WIN helps to substantially reduce methane emissions,  aligning with Uganda’s commitment to mitigating climate change and reducing its carbon  footprint. Additionally, the residue from BSFL processing produces biofertilizer, a sustainable  alternative to chemical fertilizers. This enhances soil health and fertility, promoting  regenerative agricultural practices that preserve ecosystem balance and mitigate environmental  degradation caused by chemical fertilizers. 

Economically, the system generates revenue by producing high-protein larvae for animal feed  and nutrient-rich biofertilizers. Establishing facilities for processing and marketing these  products stimulates local economies, enhances resource efficiency, and provides financial  incentives for waste segregation and collection systems. The use of biofertilizer also reduces  reliance on costly imported chemical fertilizers, lowering input costs for farmers and enhancing  their economic resilience. Furthermore, the BSFL system offers a cost-effective alternative to  traditional waste management methods, reducing operational costs associated with waste  collection, transportation, and landfill management. 

Socially, WIN’s involvement in promoting maggot farming provides economic opportunities  for women and youth, contributing to social development and poverty alleviation. This fosters  social development and empowers marginalized groups through skill development and income  generation, contributing to sustainable community development. Establishing maggot farming  facilities also creates a range of roles, from waste collection to larval processing and product  distribution. This diversified employment structure supports socio-economic development by  creating jobs and fostering local entrepreneurship, which are key components of civil  infrastructure projects.

Technically and operationally, BSFL can rapidly consume large quantities of organic waste,  efficiently reducing the volume of waste that would otherwise require disposal in landfills. This  method is scalable and adaptable to various waste streams from markets, households, and  agricultural activities. Maggot farming is a low-tech, scalable solution that can be implemented  across diverse settings in Uganda. It requires minimal infrastructure investment and can be  adapted to both urban and rural environments, making it a versatile waste management strategy,  particularly in areas associated with overflowing landfills. 

The initiative aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan objectives related to  environmental sustainability, agricultural development, and economic growth. It supports  national efforts to build resilient and sustainable waste management systems, relating to the  National Environment Waste Management regulations. Globally, the project contributes to  several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Goal 2 (Zero  Hunger), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption  and Production), and Goal 13 (Climate Action).

1.6 Conceptual Framework

1.7 Scope 

Geographical Scope 

• This research evaluated a maggot farm facility located in Gayaza – Busiika, Kiziri  Stage, Luweero, Uganda, and operated by Women Income Network, a  nongovernmental organization in Uganda.  

Figure 8: Location of Maggot farm by Women Income Network, Uganda

13 

Techno-Economic Scope 

Technical Evaluation 

The research only considered the use of Black Soldier Fly larvae species for maggot breeding  at the facility for the examined parameters, and an experiment was carried out to examine the  performance of the maggots growing in different waste substrates. The research applied various  tools to collect the necessary technical data requirements from the case study facility for  evaluation and analysis. All data collected and examined was limited to the available data and  conditions present at the case study facility.  

The technical evaluation of the case study facility provided data regarding the overall technical  processes involved in maggot farming for waste management and regenerative agriculture,  including the technical requirements such as equipment, BSF larvae, structures, and their  respective quantities and uses. Additionally, the technical evaluation identified and reported the  key performance indicators at the facility to ensure its optimal performance. 

Economic evaluation 

The economic data collected at the facility was recorded and analyzed using tools indicated in  the cost revenue model spreadsheet. This data encompassed capital and operational costs,  revenue streams, and revenue generated at the case study facility, along with cost-benefit  analysis, among other metrics, to estimate profitability and economic viability. The data  reported was limited by the information provided at the case study facility. 

Environmental impacts 

The environmental impacts focused on two areas, namely, firstly, the general benefits of such  a facility to the environment and then secondly, the greenhouse gas emissions that can result  from this facility (including operations) and the greenhouse gas emissions that are offset  from the waste fed and converted by the facility. Thereby determining the net Greenhouse  gas emissions of the facility. The latter area of focus shall be assessed using a tool as  indicated in Appendix C and methodology, Emission factors for Greenhouse gas  inventories: EPA Center for Corporate Climate Leadership by US Environmental  

Protection Agency(Leadership, n.d.) This manual was used and the results obtained were  limited to its accuracies and limitations as we were constrained both financially and by time. 

Social Impacts and SDGs 

The data collected utilized questionnaires and stakeholder interviews to gather information  on the benefits and negative social impacts the facility has on society, the challenges faced  by the facility with recommended solutions to those challenges. This has been tabulated in  the results and has been limited to the given information from the case study facility including the Sustainable Development goals raised with this activity.

2.0 Introduction  

In developing countries, sustainable and effective waste management strategies are constrained  by high collection costs and a lack of adequate treatment and disposal options. The organic  fraction in particular, which accounts for more of the waste production, constitutes a great, yet  mostly neglected, reuse potential. At the same time, the demand for alternative protein sources  by the livestock feed industry is sharply increasing. A technology that effectively transforms  organic waste into valuable feed is therefore a timely option. Larvae of the non-pest black  soldier fly, may be used to reduce the mass of organic waste significantly.  

Concurrently, larval feeding converts organic waste into prepupae (the last larval stage) which  is high in protein. In combination with a viable market, this potential animal feed may cover  the waste collection costs and thus promote innovative, small-scale entrepreneurs to establish  a profitable business niche and overall reduce the negative environmental impact of the waste  reduction of the CO₂ and GHG emissions(Mertenat et al., 2019). 

Urban solid waste management is considered one of the most immediate and serious  environmental problems confronting urban governments in low- and middle-income countries.  The severity of this challenge will increase in the future given the trends of rapid urbanization  and growth in urban population. Due to growing public pressure and environmental concerns,  waste experts worldwide are being called upon to develop more sustainable methods of dealing  with municipal waste that embrace the concept of a circular and green economy. 

The primary goal, therefore, is to process biowaste efficiently and sustainably concerning investment and operational costs, as well as space requirements. By processing biowaste,  threats to public health and the environment can be reduced. The technology solution consists  of feeding segregated biowaste to BSF larvae, which have been reared in a nursery. Larvae  grow on the waste feedstock and reduce the waste mass. At the end of the process, larvae are  harvested and, if necessary, post-processed into a suitable animal feed product. The waste  residue can also be further processed and potentially sold or used as a soil amendment with  fertilizing properties. 

2.1 The Technical Process and Importance of Black Soldier Fly (BSF)

Figure 9: The life cycle of the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens. Source:(Eawag & Sandec, n.d.-a) 

In a typical BSF growing system, we shall break it down into four main components as sections  that occur for the maggots to be used for waste management and a regenerative agriculture approach. (Eawag & Sandec, n.d.-b) These sections include; input, process, output, and by products as described below. 

Input  

The input/substrate refers to the material or medium on which the BSF feeds and grows. It’s  the primary input and a crucial component of the farming process. The substrate serves as the  source of nutrients for the maggots and plays a significant role in their development. Common  substrates used in maggot farming include organic waste, manure, and decomposing matter. 

The choice of substrate can impact the quality and nutritional value of the resulting maggots.  It’s essential to maintain the right balance of moisture, temperature, and organic content in the  substrate to ensure healthy BSFL growth and development. Additionally, the substrate needs to  be regularly replenished or replaced as the maggots consume it during their growth cycle. 

However, it’s important to note that the overall impact on GHG emissions and CO2 levels from  BSF farming is influenced by various factors including the scale of operations, transportation  of materials, and the energy sources used in the process. Nonetheless, efficient substrate  management in maggot farming exemplifies a sustainable practice that can potentially  contribute to mitigating climate change through reduced GHG emissions and enhanced carbon  sequestration in agricultural systems(Effect of Different Waste Substrates on the Growth,  Development and Proximate Composition of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia Illucens) Larvae,  n.d.).

Process 

Figure 10: Life cycle of black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens(Rehman et al., 2023) 

The five stages of the BSF’s life cycle may be summarized as follows: egg, larva, prepupa,  pupa, and adult. Between eclosion and oviposition is 3–4 days, flies never laid eggs on the  moist rotting material directly (Alamgir et al., 2011) determined that the larval stage lasts  between 22 and 24 days at 27°C, and then converted into prepupae that travel to a dry and well 

protected pupation location. At the end of the larval stage, the prepupae move to a dry and  appropriate pupation place and transform into a pupa (the next metamorphosis stage) (Alamgir  et al., 2011) The pupa molts and results in the emergence of an adult fly. Upon reaching sexual  maturity, the adult females may mate and deposit their eggs in dry cracks and crevices near the  feed stream. Neither pests nor disease carriers, mature flies are harmless.  

The adult flies live on the fat that was accumulated during their larval stage throughout  development; hence, adult BSF need nothing other than water to survive. Female BSF oviposits  just around the edges of the larval feeding substrate, rather than directly on the feed  itself.(Rehman et al., 2023). The female fly lays a package of 400 to 800 eggs close to  decomposing organic matter, into small, dry, sheltered cavities. Shortly after having laid the  eggs, the female dies. The closeness of the eggs to the decomposing organic matter ensures that  the larvae have their first food source nearby after hatching. The sheltered cavities protect the  eggs from predators and prevent dehydration of the egg packages by direct sunlight. On  average, the eggs hatch after four days, and the emerged larvae, which are barely a few  millimeters in size, will search for food and start feeding on the organic waste nearby. The  larvae feed voraciously on the decomposing organic matter and grow from a few millimeters  size to around 2.5 cm length and 0.5 cm width, and are of cream-like color.

Output and By-Products 

Figure 11: summary of black soldier fly larvae role in organic waste bioconversion(Rehman et al., 2023) 

Maggots (Output) 

Maggots are the primary output of maggot farming. They serve as a high-protein, nutrient-rich  source of animal feed. Rich in amino acids and fats, maggots can be used as feed for poultry,  fish, and certain livestock, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional feeds like soy or  fishmeal.(Makinde, n.d.). The nutritional value of maggots makes them a desirable feed option,  aiding in the growth and health of animals. 

Frass/Biofertilizer (By-product) 

Frass refers to the waste produced by maggots as they consume the substrate. This waste  material is rich in nutrients and can serve as an organic fertilizer or soil amendment.(Lopes et  al., 2022) 

Figure 12: A representation diagram of the use of frass and the process of it being obtained Source: Google images 

When applied to agricultural soil, frass can enhance soil fertility, improve soil structure, and  contribute to the retention of moisture and nutrients. Its use in farming systems supports  sustainable agriculture by reducing the reliance on synthetic fertilizers.(Frass – a Business  Opportunity in Insect Farming, n.d.)

Production Process 

In maggot farming, Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) are used to consume organic waste. These  larvae efficiently break down various types of organic matter, including food waste, agricultural  residues, and market waste, converting it into valuable by-products. As the BSFL consumes the  organic waste, they excrete a nutrient-rich residue known as frass. This frass is a combination  of larval feces, decomposed organic matter, and shed larval skins. The frass is then collected  from the maggot farming system, containing essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus,  and potassium, along with beneficial microorganisms that promote soil health.(Basri et al.,  2022) To enhance its nutrient content and stability, the collected frass may undergo additional  processing, such as composting, drying, or pelletizing. This processing makes it easier to  handle and apply as a biofertilizer. Finally, the processed frass is used in agricultural  applications, where it can be applied directly to the soil or mixed with other organic materials  to improve its efficacy. Biofertilizers derived from BSFL frass are nutrient-rich, containing  essential plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are crucial for  plant growth and development, leading to healthier and more productive crops. Additionally,  the biofertilizer contains organic matter and beneficial microorganisms that enhance soil  structure, increase microbial activity, and improve soil fertility. This results in better water  retention, aeration, and nutrient availability in the soil. 

Table 2: A table showing images of biofertilizer

2.2 Bioconversion of Organic Waste (Output/By-product) Maggot farming contributes to the bioconversion of organic waste materials, such as food waste  or agricultural byproducts. While the maggots are the primary output, the process also  efficiently converts waste into valuable resources. This bioconversion aspect reduces the  volume of organic waste destined for landfills, mitigating methane and other GHG emissions,  and aiding in waste management efforts.(Rifai & Permata, 2023a). Therefore, Black soldier fly  (BSF) biowaste processing is a relatively new treatment technology that has received increased  attention over the last decade.  

A typical BSF biowaste processing facility consists of waste pre-processing (e.g., particle size  reduction, dewatering, removal of inorganics), biowaste treatment by BSFL, separation of  BSFL from process residue, and lastly, refinement of the larvae and residue into marketable  products. Refinement of the larvae may include killing, cleaning, sterilization, drying, and  fractionation (i.e., separation of proteins, lipids, and chitin), and of the residue, (vermin composting) or anaerobic digestion. In addition, a nursery maintaining healthy adult and larval  BSF ensures a reliable and consistent supply of offspring for biowaste treatment (Gold et al.,  2018). 

Further, this section explores recent studies on the bioconversion process in maggot farming,  focusing on the output or by-products generated and their potential applications. 

(Siddiqui et al., 2022) investigated the ability of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) to bioconvert  organic waste into protein-rich biomass. They demonstrated that BSFL efficiently consume  various organic substrates, including food waste and agricultural residues, converting them into  larval biomass. The study highlighted the potential of BSFL as a sustainable source of protein  for animal feed production. 

(Parodi et al., 2021) studied the bioconversion of swine manure by BSFL and found that larvae  significantly reduced waste volume and improved waste stabilization. They reported that BSFL  bioconversion resulted in nutrient-rich residue, which could be used as a soil amendment or  fertilizer. 

(Siddiqui et al., 2022) evaluated the nutritional quality of BSFL larvae and frass produced from  bioconversion of organic waste. They found that BSFL larvae are rich in protein and essential  amino acids, making them a valuable feed ingredient for livestock and aquaculture. Frass was  also found to contain significant levels of nutrients, enhancing its potential as a biofertilizer. 

He also analyzed the chemical composition of biofertilizer produced from BSFL frass and its  effects on plant growth. They reported that the biofertilizer contained high levels of nitrogen,  phosphorus, and potassium, as well as beneficial microorganisms. Application of the  biofertilizer significantly improved soil fertility and crop yields, demonstrating its efficacy in  sustainable agriculture. 

(Parodi et al., 2021) conducted a life cycle assessment of maggot farming for organic waste  treatment and protein production. They found that maggot farming has lower environmental  impacts compared to traditional waste management methods, such as composting or  landfilling. The study highlighted the economic viability and environmental sustainability of  maggot farming as a bioconversion technology. 

(Siddiqui et al., 2022) investigated the economic feasibility of using BSFL for organic waste  management in developing countries. They found that BSFL bioconversion could generate  revenue from the sale of larvae and by-products, while also reducing waste disposal costs. The  study emphasized the potential of maggot farming to address waste management challenges  and contribute to sustainable development. 

2.3 Economic Viability of Maggot-Facilitated Waste Management Systems  Currently, studies on the economics of bioconversion of organic wastes into BSF biomass  for animal feed application are limited. The economic viability of maggot-facilitated waste  management systems is a crucial factor in determining their practicality and sustainability.  These systems, particularly those utilizing Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae, have gained  attention for their potential to convert organic waste into valuable by-products while  reducing waste management costs. A cost-benefit evaluation is essential to evaluate the  financial implications of implementing such a system. It involves comparing the costs  associated with setting up and maintaining the system against the benefits derived from the sale of byproducts like larval biomass and frass (larval excrement). Moreover, although  many private companies across the globe such as Agriprotein (South Africa), EnviroFlight  (USA), Bioflytech (Spain), Enterra Feed Corporation (Canada), Entobel (Vietnam),  Entofood (Malaysia), Entomo Farm (France), Hexafly (Ireland), F4F (Chile), Hermetia  GmbH (Germany), InnovaFeed (France), and Protix (The Netherlands) are involved in the  BSF larvae production business, information on their operational processes and financial  aspects (e.g., costs and benefits) are not publicly disclosed; possibly to maintain their  competitive advantages(Surendra et al., 2020) 

A study by (Diener et al., n.d.)provides an in-depth analysis of the economic aspects of BSF  larvae production, highlighting the low investment costs and high returns from selling  harvested larvae as animal feed. The net present value (NPV) is another financial metric used  to assess the profitability of these systems over time. It calculates the present value of future  cash flows generated by the project, discounting them at a specific rate to account for the  time value of money. A positive NPV indicates that the project is expected to generate profit,  making it a viable investment.  

The payback period is the time it takes for the initial investment to be recouped from the net  cash flows the project generates. A shorter payback period is preferable as it reduces the  financial risk associated with the investment. A study by (Beesigamukama et al., 2020) found  that maize grown in plots treated with Black Soldier Fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) had higher  yields and nitrogen uptake compared to those treated with chemical fertilizers. The study  also reported that BSFFF had a higher nitrogen fertilizer equivalence (NFE) value, indicating  its superior effectiveness as a fertilizer. The cost of BSFFF was found to be competitive, with  the added benefit of being an organic product derived from waste treatment 

In terms of feed, BSF larvae have been recognized as a cost-effective alternative to traditional  animal feeds. They can be produced at a lower cost due to the low input requirements, as they  consume organic waste. This not only reduces the cost of feed but also contributes to waste  reduction BSF larvae production systems can have a relatively short payback period due to the  continuous and rapid bioconversion of waste into larval biomass (Surendra et al., 2020) 

2.4 Environmental Impact of BSF in Waste Management  The environmental impact of BSF in waste management is predominantly associated with  greenhouse gas emissions. Traditional waste management practices, such as landfilling and  incineration, contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane and  carbon dioxide. In contrast, BSF larvae can bio-convert organic waste into biomass, thereby  reducing the volume of waste and the potential for methane production.  

However, limited research has been conducted on the environmental impact from a life cycle  perspective. (Siddiqui et al., 2022) conducted a life cycle assessment (LCA) study of insect  production at the industrial level, which indicated that 2–5 times greater environmental  benefits could be achieved by using insect-based protein powder and meat substitution when  compared with traditional products. However, only the information on materials (e.g. wheat  bran, water, barley grain, minerals) and energy consumption (e.g. electrical, heat) were  provided, while the gaseous emissions were not tested.  

The life cycle impact of a systemized pilot plant of BSF insects was assessed with multi season datasets the results demonstrated that both fertilizer and insect production were  favorable in terms of environmental impact when compared with many conventional organic  fertilizers and animal- or plant-based proteins(Guo et al., 2021). 

The study emphasizes the role of BSF larvae in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by  diverting organic waste from landfills. Furthermore, the environmental benefits of BSF  larvae extend beyond greenhouse gas mitigation. The larvae’s ability to break down organic  waste also contributes to soil regeneration and nutrient cycling, making it a regenerative  agriculture approach. (Rifai & Permata, 2023b)

3.1 To examine the technical feasibility and performance of a MFWMS at  Women Income Network in Uganda. 

Methodology: 

Under this objective, we adopted the methods below to assess the technical feasibility and  performance of the system at WIN. 

3.1.1 Desk study.  

We carried out a desk study on existing similar systems conducted successfully to establish a  benchmark for the facility at WIN. The main source of our information was EAWAG Aquatic Research Center: Biowaste processing using BSF fly larvae, (Eawag & Sandec, n.d.-b) this  institute provides a free downloadable document guiding small-scale startups with elaborate  steps to conduct the MFWMS process successfully with locally available materials. From this  we obtained knowledge on the standard and conventional practices followed globally which  gave us a yardstick to establish our baseline study parameters with the system at WIN i.e., the  lifecycle followed, the waste input, equipment used, personnel, products processed, etc., as  indicated in the literature review and results of the technical performance. 

3.1.2 Interviews and questionnaires with WIN stakeholders.  

We used questionnaire tools for three categories that are, the social category to identify the  benefits of this project to the involved stakeholders such as the women farmers, and the staff  at WIN, then the economic data spreadsheets that enabled us to track the capital and operating  cost items that were used at the facility and the revenue data such as the indicative rates for the  sold commodities such as the biofertilizer and fresh larvae to compute the total revenue in a  given period and lastly the questionnaires from the environmental emissions calculator that  enabled us to obtain data for the different emission categories that were relevant to the practice  at WIN, thereby enabling us to ascertain the greenhouse gas emissions status at WIN during  operations.  

Interviews were done with the key stakeholder representatives present i.e., three of the out  growers, the WIN administrative and non-administrative staff in their respective departments  jointly with our team. 

From these interviews, we obtained data for our data forms as found in the appendices for the  different objectives. This data was analyzed and discussed as shown in Chapter Four: Results.  

3.1.3 Experimentation on waste substrates using uniform larvae mass to determine  the most efficient substrates for various products generated.  

We experimented with the objectives and procedures stated below. 

Objective 

1. To determine the quantity of outputs i.e., biofertilizer and fresh larvae obtained from  treatment of a known mass of crushed waste. 
2. To determine the harvesting conditions in each category of waste treated.

Significance

The optimal substrate information would therefore inform the owner to either focus on a  selective-based approach i.e., choosing one of the waste substrates independently or the mixed  waste depending on which can give maximum output in each period and ease of harvesting. 

The optimal waste substrate implied that it would be efficient for that waste to be treated by  BSF larvae hence its implication on cost is most positive. 

Tools, Equipment, and Materials  

Assumptions 

1. The samples of larvae used to treat each given waste category were uniform in mass. 2. The mixed waste comprised of equal quantities of the individual waste. 

Method/Procedure 

1. Waste substrate preparation. 

We considered waste substrate inputs as shown in the table below. Note that two samples of  equal mass for each waste category were considered for the experiment. 

For this waste above, it was shredded to a state which is easy for the young larvae to feed on.  

For very wet shredded waste obtained after shredding i.e., Pineapple waste, the water content  was reduced by draining out the excess water and leaving that which is optimal for the feeding  using rule of thumb methods of very wet waste being indicated when one lightly squeezes the  waste in the palm and water gushes out.

Whereas for the dry shredded waste obtained, water was added to ensure optimal feeding  conditions like the rest of the substrates, in this case, it was the rumen content and jackfruit  waste. 

After adequately preparing the shredded waste to optimal moisture content, we took off two  samples per waste category each with a mass of TWO kilograms including maize brand of  200g in each sample, and laid it evenly to an average depth of 3-4 cm over the basins of  uniform surface area 0.1134m^2 (diameter of 0.38m) 

1. Larvae preparation 

A uniform mass of larvae was introduced in each sample of 2 kg to maintain similar conditions. 

To determine the quantity of larvae to use in each sample of 2kg, the following criteria was  followed. 

We then measured 7.54g of young larvae in a container of tared mass and placed into the sample  basins for the treatment to begin.  

Then covered the containers with a perforated lid to allow air circulation. We placed the containers in a dark and warm place. 

After 12- 14 days, we separated the larvae from the waste substrate using a sieve of 3mm.

Then we measured the mass of the larvae and the waste substrate in each container and  determined the average of the two samples in each waste category and considered the average  value as the final value. 

Lastly, we calculated the percentage of waste reduction, and the percentage of larvae increase  in each container. 

Limitations 

• The experiment did not control other factors that may affect the waste treatment, such  as moisture, pH, oxygen, and microbial activity. 
• The experiment did not compare the BSF larvae with other waste treatment methods,  such as composting, anaerobic digestion, or incineration. 
• The experiment did not analyze the quality and composition of the biofertilizer, and the  fresh larvae produced from the waste treatment. 

Expected Results 

The obtained results upon being analyzed were intended to deduce the Fresh larvae and  biofertilizer mass per unit kilogram of waste as shown below. 

These results to be expected, would indicate for each waste category the waste type that would  be most yielding for biofertilizer and fresh larvae as outputs.  

We analyzed the recorded data from measuring and computed to get those respective  biofertilizer and fresh larvae masses per unit kilogram of waste treated (P1,J1,R1,M1,P2,J2,R2  and M2) as seen in Technical Results section.  

3.2 To examine the economic viability and profitability of MWMFS at  WIN.  

To examine the economic viability and profitability of this system at WIN, we considered for  a working period of 2023 to keep consistent with the operations conducted in 2023 as assessed  for technical feasibility. Methods used include. 

3.2.1 Data collection. 

Through questionnaires and records retrieval. Records included budgets for operation  activities, financial summary statements of the organization indicating the capital costs for  setting up the facility, and revenue records provided for sales made in 2023. 

The collected data was classified into the following subcategories.

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1. Inventory assessment. This detailed all items with cost potential for setting up and  operating the facility. The data below shows the items, their quantity and purpose. 

Table 3: Showing items used at the facility and their roles

2. Costs i.e.,  

• Capital costs used for startup of the facility in its initial year of setup. These  records were obtained from financial records provided by Women Income  

Network.  

Table 4: Showing capital cost items 

S/N CAPITAL COSTS 2023/2024 

1 Setting the Facility structure i.e., the main process unit where the conversion is done  and the greenhouse unit for drying the biofertilizer. 

2 Computers for the administration work at the office. 

3 Diesel power shredding machine: it breaks down waste to an easily ingestible state  and crashes dried maggot feeds to a powder state for sale. 

4 Breeding nets. 

5 Eggs trays. 

6 Lamps for lighting the facility. 

7 Storage units i.e., drums for temporary storage of waste to and products separately. 8 Brand elements such as banners, T-shirts, etc. 

• Operating costs for the year 2023. These included all expenses incurred by WIN  in the running of day-to-day activities for the period of 2023 to attain  

production. This data was provided by the WIN finance department. 

Table 5: Showing operating cost items 

S/N OPERATING COSTS 2023 

1 Fuel for transportation and shredding machine 

2 Rent fee for the office facility 

3 Stationary for administration 

4 Allowances for staff on transport and meals 

5 Eggs/Larvae 

6 Salaries 

3. Revenue from sales. This data included the sales records for 2023 where WIN sold off  products including fresh larvae, biofertilizer, eggs, and waste crushing for out growers.  The price was given for each commodity on a rate basis which was used for computing  the total amount generated from goods sold. 

Table 6: Showing products sold and the selling unit price. 

3.2.2 Desk study and data analysis of obtained data. 

To process it using tools such as Microsoft excel spreadsheets to obtain meaningful information  and conclusions. Visual presentation of data was done through charts, tables and graphs to show  relationships and trends basing on the data processed. 

The following analyses were done. 

• Profit or Loss analysis. This determined whether the operations in 2023 yielded  a profit (where the revenue generated was greater than the total operating  expenses) in that period. This was determined using Total sales in 2023 – Total  operating expenses in 2023. A positive value indicated a profit, and a negative  value indicated a loss had been made.  
• Ranking by percentage the biggest expenses and sales in the given data to  determine the costliest operating expense for the former and the highest selling  commodity for the latter.  

3.3 To evaluate the environmental and SDG impacts of the MWMFS at  WIN. 

To evaluate the environmental, Social and SDG impacts for this system at WIN, we used  several tools from general interviews to standard calculators for carbon dioxide emissions  assessment. These were obtained in the categories below. 

3.3.1 SDG and Social Impacts. 

Interviews were conducted with WIN stakeholders and notes were made on the benefits of the  system to the out growers, WIN, and challenges faced by the community if any brought about  by the system. The sustainable development goals impacted by this system were deduced by  matching the activities and effects of the activities of this system to the community and  environment with the most relevant goals affected by them. 

3.3.2 Environmental Impact.  

To assess the environmental impact of this system at WIN, we considered computing the  overall net carbon dioxide emissions resulting from operations of the facility. 

This was computed by: deducting the total carbon dioxide emissions released into the  atmosphere (in tons) from the total carbon dioxide emissions that are captured (prevented from  going into the atmosphere), through operations of the facility. 

If the result is positive, then the facility is preventing more carbon dioxide from entering into  the atmosphere than is releasing into the atmosphere making it have a very positive  environmental impact, and if the result is negative, the facility releases more carbon dioxide  into the atmosphere compared to what it captures, making its environmental impact negative  as more carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere leads to increase of greenhouse gases in  the atmosphere which leads to increased global warming on the earth. 

The emissions resulting from the operations at the facility were computed using a Greenhouse  gas framework calculator 2021 (United Nations Framework for Climate Change, UNFCC).  

It scopes out activities that are potential emitters of greenhouse gases and attaches an emission  factor to each activity with relevant unit quantities generated by such an activity, once one has  selected the activity or emission category, they proceed to quantify this category, upon  quantifying in the respective units, the calculator multiplies the quantity with the corresponding  emission factor to obtain the quantity of carbon dioxide emissions resulting from that activity  category in kilograms.  

The details of the calculator are shown in the Appendix C.

4.1 Technical Results  

The technical results appear in the following categories namely including limitations under  each and discussions. We considered the period of 2023 for all the assessments below. 

1. Waste received at the facility. 

Under the waste input section, we looked at different components of this stage i.e.,  I. The origin of the waste and the quantity of waste obtained from each source. 

The waste obtained is dominantly vegetable market waste sourced from two main markets i.e.,  Kalerwe and Nakawa markets in Central Uganda.  

The total waste obtained in 2023 was 25.95 tons of which 13.58 tons and 12.37 tons were  received from the Nakawa and Kalerwe markets respectively as shown in Figure 13: Waste  sources and quantity in kg. This implies that the majority of the waste was obtained from  Nakawa market. 

Figure 13: Waste sources and quantity in kg

1. The distance between the facility and the source of the waste in kilometers. 

The total distance traveled in 2023 in transporting waste from the source to the facility was  988km, with 680km and 308km traveled from Nakawa and Kalerwe respectively as shown in  Table 7: Trip distances in km. 

Table 7: Trip distances in km 

III. The quantity of waste treated. 

The waste treated refers to the waste that has been crushed through shredding and has been fed  to the larvae to produce fresh larvae meal and biofertilizer. 

From the 25.95 tons of waste received, the facility managed to treat 22.98 tons of waste after  the shredding as shown in Figure 14: Input unit. Waste received, shredded, and treated.in kg..  This reduction in mass is due to the shredding and loss of excess water in the waste.  

Figure 14: Input unit. Waste received, shredded, and treated.in kg. 

1. Products obtained from the treated waste 

This unit consists of the harvested products which include fresh larvae, biofertilizers, and pupae  that are reared to continue the breeding cycle.  

In 2023, WIN produced 6.5tons of biofertilizer, 686 kilograms of fresh larvae and 117.5 kg of  pupae for breeding as per the records available as seen in Table 8: Summary of products  attained in the period of 2023 at the WIN facility. 

Table 8: Summary of products attained in the period of 2023 at the WIN facility.

This indicates that Biofertilizer was the biggest product amounting to 6,523 kg attained at the  facility for the period of 2023, followed by the larvae meal of 686 kg, and lastly, pupae  harvested to continue the breeding amounting to 117.5 kg. 

Based on the waste treated of 22,980 kg we got 28% as biofertilizer (0.3kg of biofertilizer  obtained for every 1 kg of waste treated), 10.5% as larvae meal (for every 1 kg of waste treated  we got 0.11kg of larvae) and 0.41% as pupae for breeding (forever 1kg of waste treated we  obtained 0.005kg of pupae) making a total percentage of 39% (meaning 11,302 kg of waste  treated were converted during the treatment process by mass reduction).  

This implies that a 61% reduction of the shredded mass occurs when treated with biofertilizer  thereby reducing the mass of the waste brought in at the facility at WIN. 

1. Experimental outcomes 

The experiment was conducted to identify the optimal waste category to use to obtain optimal  quantities of biofertilizer and larvae mass respectively. 

Table 9: Waste Substrate-Product output mass per 1kg of waste 

From this experiment, the different waste substrates produced varying quantities of products  per unit mass as seen in Table 9: Waste Substrate-Product output mass per 1kg of waste, to the  deductions: 

Jackfruit waste with the highest fresh larvae output of 0.405kg per 1kg of waste and Rumen  content with highest biofertilizer output of 0.8575kg per 1kg of waste as shown in Figure 15: Biofertilizer versus Larvae mass produced per unit kg of waste for various wastes.

This indicated that to obtain the highest larvae mass per unit kg of waste WIN will need to  consider using Jackfruit waste that provides 0.405 kg of larvae mass per kg of the shredded  waste and to obtain the maximum amount of biofertilizer, WIN will need to adopt the Rumen  content which gives 0.8575 kg of biofertilizer per unit mass of the rumen content treated. 

4.2 Economic Results 

Figure 16: A chart showing the financial summary of the facility at WIN in 2023

Table 10: Financial summary in UGX

In 2023, WIN still had the capital costs dominating the financial statement at 60% followed by  revenue (20%) then operating costs at 12% and profit of 8% as shown in Figure 16: A chart  showing the financial summary of the facility at WIN in 2023 

In this economic assessment we looked at the following areas below. 

4.2.1 Capital and operating costs 

The total capital costs were UGX 34,258,000 (Thirty-four million two hundred fifty-eight  thousand Uganda shillings only). These include the set-up costs for the structure and other  tools as broken down in Table 11: Breakdown of capital and operating costs at WIN in 2023 

Table 11: Breakdown of capital and operating costs at WIN in 2023

4.2.2 Revenue 

The revenue was generated from sale of products obtained in the period of 2023. 

The total revenue generated in 2023 was UGX 11,153,950 (Eleven million one-hundred fifty three thousand nine hundred fifty thousand Uganda shillings only) as shown in Table 10: Financial summary in UGX.  

The Biofertilizer generated the highest revenue, followed by Fresh larvae, then eggs, pupae  and shredded waste to out growers as per Figure 17: Chart showing revenue breakdown from  products.  

Figure 17: Chart showing revenue breakdown from products 

The sales data underscores the importance of product diversification in maximizing revenue  and market reach. Fresh larvae and biofertilizers are the leading revenue contributors, reflecting  high demand and market acceptance. The premium prices fetched by eggs and powdered larvae  indicate their value-added status, while pupae and shredded waste provide additional revenue  streams. The results highlight the need for strategic market analysis and supply chain  optimization to sustain and grow these revenue streams. By targeting specific market demands  and maintaining high product quality, WIN can continue to support sustainable waste  management practices while achieving economic viability. 

4.3 Environmental Results  

4.3.1 Quantity of carbon dioxide captured at WIN. 

The total quantity of carbon dioxide emissions prevented from going into the atmosphere  through waste treatment and conversion at WIN was 13.51 tons as shown in Table 12 below. 

Table 12: Quantity of Carbon dioxide captured at WIN in kg 

4.3.2 Quantity of carbon dioxide released by WIN. 

The quantity of carbon dioxide emitted by WIN into the atmosphere through the operation of  the facility was quantified to a total of 1.46 tons as shown in Table 13 below. 

Table 13: Carbon dioxide emissions by WIN activity 

4.3.3 Net quantity of carbon dioxide captured at WIN  

To determine the environmental impact of this activity we had to compute the net quantity of  carbon dioxide at the facility by deducting the quantity of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere  (see Table 13) from the quantity of carbon dioxide prevented from going into the atmosphere  through treatment (see Table 12) 

From this we obtained a positive value of 12.049 tons (see Table 14) of caron dioxide that are  being prevented from going into the atmosphere through this activity, making it positively  impactful to the environment. 

Table 14: Net CO2 emissions in kg

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4.4 Challenges and Recommendations 

This section has been broken down into the challenges faced at the facility include those in the  technical, economic and environmental sectors, with their respective impacts and potential  solutions recommended to deal with them. 

They are indicated in the table below.

40 

Technical Feasibility and Performance 

The assessment of the technical feasibility and performance of a Maggot Fly Waste  Management System (MFWMS) at Women Income Network (WIN) in Uganda has yielded  promising results. Through a comprehensive literature review, we established a benchmark  using data from the EAWAG Aquatic Research Center, which provided a detailed guide for  biowaste processing using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae. This enabled us to align WIN’s  operations with globally recognized standards. 

By conducting interviews and distributing questionnaires among WIN stakeholders, we  gathered essential data on waste intake, product yields, equipment inventory, and other  operational parameters. This primary data collection was crucial in understanding the existing  infrastructure and operational dynamics at WIN. 

Our experimentation on different waste substrates demonstrated the efficiency of BSF larvae  in converting various types of organic waste into valuable by-products like biofertilizer and  fresh larvae. The optimal substrates were identified, providing insights that can help WIN  maximize output and minimize costs. Pineapple peelings, jackfruit waste, rumen content, and  mixed waste were evaluated, with jackfruit waste yielding the highest fresh larvae output and  rumen content producing the most biofertilizer. This information is vital for strategic planning  and optimization of the waste treatment process at WIN. 

The experimental results showed significant waste reduction and efficient conversion into  usable products. Specifically, the treated waste was converted into biofertilizer, larvae meal,  and into pupae for breeding. These findings highlight the potential of the MFWMS to not only  manage waste effectively but also generate valuable by-products that can contribute to  

Economic Viability and Profitability 

Our economic assessment revealed that while WIN incurs substantial capital and operational  costs, the revenue generated from the sale of biofertilizer, fresh larvae, pupae, and other by products demonstrates the economic viability of the MFWMS. The capital costs, including the  setup of the facility and purchase of necessary equipment, amounted to UGX 34,258,000, while  operational costs for 2023 were UGX 6,606,500. Despite these expenditures, WIN generated a  revenue of UGX 11,153,950, resulting in an operating profit of UGX 4,547,450. 

This profitability indicates a positive return on investment and suggests that with improved  marketing and expansion, the facility can achieve greater economic sustainability. The revenue  breakdown showed that biofertilizer was the leading product, followed by fresh larvae and  pupae, underscoring the importance of product diversification and market targeting. 

Environmental and SDG Impacts 

The environmental assessment demonstrated that the MFWMS at WIN has a substantial  positive impact. The facility was able to prevent 13.51 tons of carbon dioxide from entering  the atmosphere through the treatment of 22.98 tons of waste. In contrast, the total emissions from operational activities were 1.46 tons of CO2, resulting in a net positive impact of 12.049  tons of CO2 sequestered. 

This significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions aligns with global sustainability goals  and highlights the role of MFWMS in mitigating climate change. The project contributes to  several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 12  (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and  Communities). By reducing waste and producing eco-friendly by-products, WIN is promoting  environmental sustainability and enhancing community resilience. 

Overall, the technical feasibility, economic viability, and environmental benefits of the  MFWMS at WIN indicate a robust model for sustainable waste management in Uganda. The  successful conversion of organic waste into valuable products not only addresses waste  disposal issues but also creates economic opportunities and contributes to environmental  protection. 

With strategic improvements, such as expanding operational capacity, enhancing product value  addition, and securing financial and market support, WIN can further optimize the MFWMS.  This initiative serves as a replicable model for other regions, demonstrating the potential for  integrating waste management with economic and environmental benefits. 

Therefore, the project at WIN underscores the importance of innovative approaches to waste  management, aligning with global sustainability efforts and providing tangible benefits to local  communities. The integration of technical, economic, and environmental assessments provides  a comprehensive understanding of the MFWMS’s potential, paving the way for future  advancements and wider adoption.

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