Overcoming Social Barrier to Adoption of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) as a Protein Source for Poultry: How Tall is the Order?
The demand-supply gap for protein has continued to widen globally. Unfortunately, costs of conventional feed resources are assuming an alarmingly increasing trend in Nigeria, with continued decline in the future projected for the near future for poultry. Black Soldier Fly (BSF) is being promoted as a more sustainable alternative due to high protein contents and environmental sustainability. The study therefore examined acceptability of BSF as a protein source for poultry feeds among farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria. A two-stage technique was used to select 120 medium and largescale poultry farmers and data were collected using structured questionnaire. Short structured video on BSF was used to control for knowledge. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression (α0.05). Almost half (44.2%) of respondents were between 31-40 years, majority (61.7%) were married, male (71.7%), educated (61.7) are engaged in poultry farming (56.7%) primarily. Level of perceived benefits of BSF was high and include increase in profit margin (85.8%) and low cost of feed (74.5%). Knowledge level was high among majority (70%). Perceived constraints are unavailability of land/space (30.8%) and lack of technical know-how (75.0%). Average income from poultry ( = 0.423), farm size (β = 0.172), perceived economic viability (β = 0.499) and environmental friendliness ( =0.291), total income from other sources (= -0.293), years of farm experience (= -0.321) and perceived constraints were predictors of acceptability of BSF among poultry farmers. Overall, majority are highly disposed to use of BSF as an alternative protein source without any form of socio-cultural barriers.
