The economic viability and social acceptability of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Frass as a substitute for chemical fertilizer in agriculture in Cameroon

Marykathleen Agbornawbi Tambeayuk; Olalekan John Taiwo; Marc Anselme Kamga; David Ning Njuh

doi:10.58921/jse.03.01.065

Marykathleen Agbornawbi Tambeayuk Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute (including Health and Agriculture), Ibadan, Nigeria
Olalekan John Taiwo Department of Geography, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Marc Anselme Kamga National Advanced School of Mining and Petroleum Industries, University of Maroua, Kaele, Cameroon
David Ning Njuh Faculty of Education, University of Yaounde 1, Cameroon

DOI: https://doi.org/10.58921/jse.03.01.065

Keywords: Waste valorisation, Black Soldier Fly Larvae frass, Economic Viability, Social acceptance, Urban Farming sustainability

Abstract

The cost-effectiveness and acceptance of eco-friendly Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) frass as a sustainable alternative to inorganic fertiliser is gaining pace globally and is innovative in very few parts of sub-Saharan Africa. This study evaluates the economic viability and social acceptance of the use of BSFL frass by-product of waste valorisation by the BSFL as an alternative to synthetic fertiliser. The economic data was gathered by performing a cost-benefit ratio analysis and a return on investments study. Social data was gathered by administering a total of 150 questionnaires to selected urban farmers across the centre region of Cameroon. The results depicted that using BSFL Frass (BSFLf) resulted in the highest Return on Investment, profit margin, and Cost-Benefit ratio when compared to the most general inorganic fertiliser (NPK, Urea, Yara and Surface) used in Cameroon. The concept of employing frass as a substitute was deemed acceptable, albeit a few concerns that may be gradually eradicated by sensitisation and additional research into the phytonotic capacity of crops cultivated on frass. This study validates the use of the BSFL as a sustainable substitute for synthetic fertiliser in agriculture as its product of BSFL frass waste has been found to contribute positively to food security as it is both economically affordable, viable and socially acceptable.