At ARI, practical classes taught by graduates are held about four times a year.
This time, two graduates from the Democratic Republic of Congo class of 2022, Shukuru and Mordekay, led an online class. They introduced methods for raising black soldier fly larvae. In fact, while at ARI, the two had first attempted this rearing as a personal project. Unfortunately, they failed at the time, but after graduation they tried again in their home country and were able to achieve success.
Feeding on kitchen waste, these insects hatch from eggs into larvae in a short period of about 18 days. They are highly nutritious and ideal feed for chickens and other animals. This space-efficient method, well-suited for small-scale farmers, has been shared with community members and the number of farmers implementing it is gradually increasing.
The class also included Ryo Maki, a former farm staff member. He shared his own experience attempting to rear Black Soldier Flies at his farm (RyoMimi Farm) in Tochigi Prefecture, using kitchen garbage and fermented rice bran as feed, making it a highly informative learning session.

Additionally, this Shukuru and Mordekay’s program is supported by Tarr Fellowship microgrants from AFARI (American Friends of ARI) and they will host a special online session this Wednesday, November 19th at 11 a.m. Eastern U.S. time — we hope to see you there!
If you’re interested, please contact [email protected] for registration.

Please note that this event is entirely in English.