IITA Business Incubation Platform (IITA BIP) in partnership with New Generation Nutrition (NGN), ProEnto, University of Ibadan (UI), and other partners commenced Insects4Feed Entrepreneurship Incubation Training Program for the 1st cohort of entrepreneurs for 13 weeks which started at the 9th of October through January 2024, an innovative initiative aimed at nurturing and empowering individuals that is passionate about the potential of insects protein in sustainable food production for the livestock. The program, hosted at the IITABIP, gathered a diverse group of aspiring entrepreneurs, researchers, and visionaries eager to explore the world of insect-based protein and nutrient production.
The opening ceremony which comes up on Monday the 9th of October, 2023 at IITA Business Incubation Platform complex A.A. Adeshina building began with a warm welcome from the lead partner IITA Business Incubation Platform (IITA BIP), Director & CEO IITA BIP Dr. Debo Akande, NGN-Mrs. Marian Peters, UI-Dr. Kehinde Thomas, and ProEnto-Mr. Cies Roskam, who introduced the participants to the program’s objectives and expectations.
The Director & CEO IITA BIP, Dr Debo Akande during his opening remarks, sighted that the Insect4Feed Project will reduce the cost of production for poultry and fish farming creating cheaper, local and alternative feeds and also creating jobs in the insect farming value chain for the entrepreneurs.
He emphasized that the training was designed to offer a sustainable and affordable animal protein source for livestock feed for both livestock feed mill industries and individual users.
Dr. Debo Akande further highlighted that the Insects4Feed project, supported by the Dutch Government through New Generation Nutrition (NGN), and other partners, aimed to establish pioneering entrepreneurs in the sector. These entrepreneurs would play a pivotal role in providing alternative solutions for the challenges associated with livestock feeds, replacing expensive and non-environmental friendly materials.
“One of the advantages of this project is that these insects can consume solid waste, which could help mitigate environmental issues stemming from waste accumulation,” Akande noted.
Dr. Kehinde Thomas, representing UI (University of Ibadan), elaborated on the program’s significance. He explained that the training sought to address Nigeria’s food security concerns by offering a cost-effective and environmental friendly alternative for protein components in animal feeds, especially for poultry and aquaculture. Thomas also emphasized the economic potential of the black soldier fly in contributing to farmers’ income.
Dr. Kehinde Thomas further added, “The idea behind the training is to disseminate this innovation among smallholder farmers, particularly in the poultry industry, and encourage its adoption in various local environments”.
Mrs. Marian Peters, the CEO of NGN, Expansiate on the significance of the Insects4feed Incubation Program. The Insects4feed Incubation Program is a testament to our unwavering commitment of New Generation Nutrition to addressing the critical challenges within the agriculture and animal feed industries. Insects, often underestimated, hold the potential to revolutionize sustainable food production.
She further emphasis on the fact that “Quality livestock feed can be achieved through the insects4feed for sustainable agriculture”. Together we can further.
Stay tuned for further updates and developments as this promising program unfolds.