As the global population grows, the demand for protein surges, straining conventional food production systems. Rising fishmeal costs burden smallholder farmers, while untreated food waste exacerbates environmental issues. NovFeed, founded in Tanzania in 2020, is pioneering a solution—transforming organic food waste into high-protein fish feed and organic fertilisers using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae. This innovation reduces reliance on costly fishmeal while addressing urban waste challenges, making food systems more sustainable and efficient.
NovFeed’s journey began with an idea—leveraging BSF larvae to convert organic waste into sustainable fish feed. In 2020, the Ifakara Innovation Hub (IIH) provided crucial support, awarding NovFeed $5,000 in seed funding during the first Ifakara Hackathon. This support enabled them to:
- Build their first research facility to study the impact of organic waste on BSF growth.
- Develop a scalable model for insect-based protein production.
- Conduct experiments to refine feed quality and nutrient content.
- Establish a waste collection initiative with local restaurants and markets to manage food waste.
This foundational support helped NovFeed transition from concept to commercialisation, aligning with IIH’s mission to drive sustainable solutions that empower communities and conserve the environment.
With a strong research foundation, NovFeed expanded beyond fish feed to offer sustainable agricultural solutions. Their innovative products now include:
- NovFeed Protein – A high-protein fish feed that outperforms traditional fishmeal.
- Ecovita – An organic bio-fertiliser that improves soil health and supports sustainable farming.
Their commitment to innovation and sustainability has expanded their market reach and broadened their environmental and social impact.
Building on their success, NovFeed’s initiatives drive measurable, long-term change by:
- Empowering Youth – Training over 40 young people in BSF technology, creating pathways for sustainable agribusiness careers.
- Improving Waste Management – Collecting tons of food waste from local restaurants and markets, reducing pollution and promoting environmental stewardship.
- Enhancing Food Security – Providing affordable, high-protein feed to local farmers, boosting productivity and profitability.
At Ifakara Innovation Hub, we take pride in seeing how NovFeed's innovations tackle community challenges, create jobs, and promote sustainability. Their work reflects our belief that local ingenuity, paired with the right support, can drive lasting impact and advance our vision for sustainable development.
As NovFeed continues to scale, their focus remains on expanding production capacity, reaching more farmers, and enhancing their sustainability efforts. Their journey is a testament to how early-stage support, innovation, and resilience can drive meaningful change.
At Ifakara Innovation Hub, we are proud to have contributed to their success and remain dedicated to supporting local innovators who are building a better future. Together, we can continue transforming challenges into opportunities and creating lasting impact for communities and beyond.
