Title: Innovative approach in DR Congo: fish farmers in the Yangambi Landscape adopt the production of maggots for fish feed
Introduction :
As part of the FORÊTS II project in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Center for International Forestry Research has set up an innovative initiative aimed at strengthening the capacities of fish farming micro-entrepreneurs in the Yangambi Landscape, located in the territories of Isangi and of Banalia, in the province of Tshopo. Thanks to funding from the European Union, these ecological entrepreneurs are being trained in the production of maggots from house flies, an economical and sustainable alternative to traditional fish food. This approach contributes to solving the problems of production cost, management of organic waste and to promoting the food self-sufficiency of fish farmers.
The benefits of maggots for fish feed:
Maggots from house flies hold promise as a fish feed solution. Unlike the fishmeal (fry) currently used, the use of maggots makes it possible to reduce production costs. Indeed, it is cheaper to produce maggots than to buy fishmeal. In addition, maggots are exclusively intended for fish food, unlike fishmeal which can be used for human food.
Additionally, the production of maggots offers significant environmental benefits. It makes it possible to recover organic waste, thus contributing to solving the problems of management of this often worrying waste. In addition, the production process generates a nutrient-rich biofertilizer residue, which can be used to support agriculture, especially market gardening.
Training and development of micro-enterprises in fish farming:
As part of the FORÊTS II project, around fifteen fish farmers in the Yangambi Landscape benefit from specific training in the production of maggots in order to guarantee the food self-sufficiency of their fish. This training, which will end on August 18, 2023, aims to strengthen the technical and economic capacities of these green entrepreneurs.
Fish farmers learn the different stages of maggot production, from rearing houseflies to turning larvae into maggots. They also acquire knowledge on fish feeding and good practices to ensure their growth and health.
Positive impacts on the local economy and the environment:
The adoption of maggot production in fish farming in the Yangambi Landscape has many benefits for the local community. By producing their own maggots locally, fish farmers reduce their costs and increase their economic independence.
In addition, this approach promotes the preservation of the environment by reducing dependence on fishmeal, generally obtained from intensive fishing. By recycling organic waste and producing biofertilizer, fish farmers contribute to a more sustainable management of natural resources.
Conclusion :
The production of maggots for fish feed represents an innovative and sustainable solution for fish farmers in the Yangambi Landscape in DR Congo. This initiative, implemented thanks to the FORÊTS II project and the support of the European Union, makes it possible to reduce production costs, recover organic waste and promote food self-sufficiency for fish farmers. By adopting this practice, the local community benefits from sustainable economic development while preserving the environment