Can a ‘magical’ insect help Madagascar battle malnutrition, deforestation? – Devex

Black Soldier Fly Farming in Madagascar: A Strategic Approach to Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: An Innovative Solution at the Madagascar Biodiversity Center

Research conducted at the Madagascar Biodiversity Center in Antananarivo is exploring the potential of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) as a multi-faceted solution to pressing national challenges. The cultivation of its larvae is identified as a key strategy for advancing several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Addressing SDG 2: Zero Hunger

The initiative directly targets malnutrition and food security through the unique properties of black soldier fly larvae.

• Nutritional Value: The larvae are exceptionally rich in protein and lipids, offering a potent nutritional source to combat malnutrition.
• Sustainable Animal Feed: They provide a high-quality protein alternative for animal feed, supporting the livestock sector and enhancing overall food production systems without the environmental impact of traditional feed sources.

Contribution to SDG 15: Life on Land

By offering a sustainable alternative to conventional agriculture, black soldier fly farming can significantly reduce environmental degradation.

1. Reduced Deforestation: As a less land-intensive protein source compared to traditional livestock, its cultivation can ease pressure on forests, helping to halt deforestation.
2. Small-Scale Viability: The relative ease of small-scale farming makes it an accessible practice that does not require large-scale land clearing, preserving terrestrial ecosystems.

Promoting SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The project embodies the principles of a circular economy, transforming waste into valuable resources.

• Waste Conversion: Black soldier fly larvae are efficient converters of low-value organic residues and waste into valuable biomass.
• Organic Fertilizer Production: This biomass serves as an affordable and effective organic fertilizer, promoting sustainable agricultural practices (SDG 2.4) and reducing reliance on chemical alternatives.
• Economic Empowerment: The process supports local economies by creating value from waste, aligning with goals for sustainable economic growth (SDG 8).

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger: The article focuses on using black soldier fly larvae, which are “rich in protein and lipids,” as a solution to “reduce malnutrition” in Madagascar. This directly addresses the goal of ending hunger and improving nutrition.
• SDG 15: Life on Land: The project aims to “ease pressure on forests.” By providing an alternative source of protein for animal feed and organic fertilizer, it can reduce the need for land clearing for traditional agriculture and livestock, thereby helping to combat deforestation.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The article states that the flies “convert low-value organic residues into biomass.” This process represents a sustainable production method that recycles organic waste into valuable products like fertilizer and animal feed, aligning with the goal of reducing waste.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 2.2: By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition. The article explicitly mentions that the project sees the larvae as a “potential solution to reduce malnutrition.”
2. Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices. The farming of black soldier flies to convert organic residues into fertilizer and high-protein feed is a sustainable and innovative agricultural practice.
3. Target 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally. The project’s goal to “ease pressure on forests” directly contributes to the objective of halting deforestation.
4. Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse. The process of using flies to convert “low-value organic residues” into useful biomass is a form of biological recycling and reuse.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• For Target 2.2 (End Malnutrition): While no specific metric is given, an implied indicator is the prevalence of malnutrition in the communities where this solution is implemented. A reduction in malnutrition rates would indicate progress.
• For Target 2.4 (Sustainable Agriculture): An implied indicator is the amount of organic fertilizer produced and used from the larvae’s biomass, replacing chemical alternatives. Another would be the adoption rate of insect farming among small-scale farmers.
• For Target 15.2 (Halt Deforestation): An implied indicator is the rate of deforestation. Progress would be measured by a decrease in forest clearing for agricultural purposes in regions that adopt this alternative protein and fertilizer source.
• For Target 12.5 (Reduce Waste): An implied indicator is the volume of organic residues processed by the black soldier flies. This would directly measure the amount of waste being recycled into valuable products.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: devex.com