This summer, during a trade mission that brought Nigerian entrepreneurs to the Netherlands, HollandDoor’s network facilitated a unique match. One of the participants, poultry farmer Emmpek, was introduced to the concept of insect farming for the very first time. Inspired by what he saw, he immediately implemented the idea on his return to Nigeria.
To explore the opportunities, a feasibility study was carried out on his farm. The findings showed how easily insect farming could be integrated into his existing facilities and routines. Emmpek manages several production systems – poultry (both broilers and layers), a cassava plantation with a gari processing plant and an oil palm plantation with its own processing plant. Each of these enterprises provides valuable inputs for insect farming.
For example, palm kernel cake (PKC), a by-product of his oil palm processing, makes a perfect substrate for black soldier flies (BSF). Cassava peel from the gari plant can be fed to the larvae. One of the farm’s poultry pens is being repurposed into a BSF farm, and another part of his facilities will serve as an insectarium for incubation.
The cycle is simple but powerful. Waste streams from the farm’s poultry, cassava and palm oil production become substrates for insects. The larvae are then used as a high-protein feed for his chickens, and the frass – the leftover substrate – returns to his cassava fields as a natural soil improver and fertilizer.
By embracing this system, Emmpek is well on his way to becoming a fully circular farmer, turning waste into value while boosting both efficiency and sustainability.
At HollandDoor, we are proud to help spark journeys such as this. By connecting Dutch expertise with international entrepreneurship, we empower farmers like Emmpek to innovate and grow. And with tailor-made training, we look forward to supporting many more farmers worldwide in exploring sustainable, practical solutions.
For more information, please contact Marian Peters
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