Background and Context 

Location: Greater Accra, Ghana 

Resource Stream: Organic waste, primarily fruit and vegetable waste 

Challenges: Ghana faces issues such as poor waste collection (20–40% of municipal waste uncollected), high organic waste content (60%), and limited access to affordable agricultural inputs. Smallholder farmers require sustainable solutions to improve agricultural productivity and address declining soil fertility. Simultaneously, the aquaculture sector demands cost-effective, locally produced feed ingredients to reduce dependency on expensive imports. 

Technologies/Methods Used 

• BSF-Based Waste Bioconversion: Organic waste is processed using BSF larvae, producing dried larvae for animal feed and compost for soil improvement. 
• Small-Scale Systems: Facilities were built with a capacity to process 0.3 tonnes of organic waste daily, producing approximately 0.006 tonnes of dried larvae and 0.075 tonnes of compost per day. 
• Preprocessing and Postprocessing: Sorting, blending, and crushing organic waste ("LarvaeLunch") are followed by passive sieving for larvae harvesting, which are sanitized, dried, and converted into final products. 

Implementation Steps 

The first pilot facility was established at Ashaiman, with a larger demonstration plant built in Adenta, Greater Accra. 
Farmers and stakeholders received training on BSF bioconversion processes and benefits, ensuring long-term sustainability. The project identified demand for local feed and biofertilizer products, enabling integration into farming practices. 

Outcomes and Impacts 

• Environmental Benefits: Reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to landfilling or composting of fruit waste. 
• Economic Contributions: Farmers using the facility themselves could earn an annual profit of USD 1,920 with a four-year payback period. 
• Social Benefits: Enhanced livelihoods for farmers through access to affordable feed and fertilizers, alongside knowledge-sharing programs. 

Lessons Learned 

Ento-Prise highlighted the importance of aligning waste management with agricultural productivity needs. While the project demonstrated proof of concept, further optimization is required to enhance system productivity and reduce operational costs. Subsidized or free access to organic waste substrates could improve the economic viability of BSF facilities for smallholder farmers.