INVESTIGATION ON WASTE-TO-FEED INNOVATIONS AND NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF INSECT-BASED PROTEIN IN POULTRY DIETS; A CASE STUDY ON IBADAN POULTRY FARMERS.

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study The global demand for sustainable and cost-effective animal protein production has intensified research into alternative feed resources, with insect-based proteins emerging as a promising innovation. Poultry production, a critical component of the agricultural sector worldwide, particularly in developing countries such as Nigeria, faces rising feed costs and sustainability challenges. According to van Huis et al. (2021), insects provide a highly nutritious, efficient, and environmentally friendly protein source capable of partially replacing conventional feed ingredients like soybean and fishmeal. This innovation not only offers a solution to feed scarcity but also addresses environmental concerns related to feed production and waste management. Waste-to-feed technologies, involving the conversion of organic waste into insect biomass, have gained significant attention as a dual-purpose strategy for waste reduction and sustainable feed production (Makkar et al., 2022). In tropical regions such as Nigeria, where organic waste generation is substantial due to agricultural and urban activities, harnessing insects like black soldier fly larvae and mealworms for poultry feed presents a practical opportunity to enhance circular economy practices. This aligns with sustainable agricultural goals and the growing emphasis on reducing the ecological footprint of livestock production systems (Oonincx & de Boer, 2020). Nutritionally, insect-based proteins exhibit high digestibility and favorable amino acid profiles essential for poultry growth and productivity (Finke, 2021). Studies reveal that diets supplemented with insect meal improve feed conversion ratios, immune response, and gut health in poultry, potentially reducing reliance on antibiotics and synthetic additives (Zielińska et al., 2020). Such benefits make insect protein an attractive candidate for integration into commercial and smallholder poultry feeding regimes, especially in resource-constrained environments. Despite these promising attributes, adoption of insect-based feeds remains limited by factors including farmers’ awareness, cultural perceptions, regulatory frameworks, and technical knowledge about insect rearing and processing (Halloran et al., 2022). In Nigeria, and particularly in Ibadan—a major urban center with a thriving poultry industry—there is a pressing need to evaluate the practical implementation of waste-to-feed innovations and the nutritional efficacy of insect protein within local production systems. This will help identify barriers, opportunities, and best practices for scaling up. Ibadan’s poultry sector significantly contributes to regional food security and income generation, yet it struggles with feed supply challenges exacerbated by fluctuating prices and competition for conventional feed ingredients (Akinola et al., 2023). Integrating insect-based proteins produced from organic waste streams offers a pathway to enhance feed sustainability while addressing urban waste management issues. However, empirical evidence on the impact of such integration on poultry productivity and farmer acceptance in Ibadan remains scarce. Consequently, this study investigates the potential of waste-to-feed innovations in the form of insect-based protein to improve poultry nutrition and productivity among Ibadan poultry farmers. The research aims to provide scientific data on nutritional benefits, identify socio-economic and institutional constraints, and recommend strategies for effective adoption of these novel feeding practices. ________________________________________ 1.2 Statement of the Problem The poultry industry in Ibadan is confronted with persistent feed supply challenges, primarily driven by the high cost and limited availability of conventional feed ingredients like maize, soybean, and fishmeal (Akinola et al., 2023). These constraints lead to elevated production costs and reduced profitability for poultry farmers, many of whom operate on thin margins. Furthermore, poor feed quality and inconsistent supply negatively affect poultry health, growth rates, and overall productivity (Adeola & Olatunji, 2021). Simultaneously, Ibadan faces significant organic waste management problems, including the accumulation of agricultural and municipal wastes that contribute to environmental pollution and public health risks (Ojo et al., 2022). Waste-to-feed innovations, particularly insect farming, present an opportunity to address these dual challenges by converting waste into valuable protein sources. However, despite demonstrated nutritional benefits of insect meals globally, adoption among Ibadan poultry farmers remains limited due to lack of awareness, technical know-how, and regulatory support (Halloran et al., 2022). Existing studies on insect-based feed in Nigeria have largely focused on laboratory trials or small-scale demonstrations, with insufficient focus on the practical realities of commercial poultry farming in urban Nigerian settings (Eze et al., 2021). Moreover, there is a gap in understanding the socio-economic factors influencing farmers’ willingness to adopt insect protein, as well as the nutritional impacts on local poultry breeds under field conditions. This knowledge deficit hinders the development of policies and extension services aimed at promoting sustainable feed innovations. Therefore, this study seeks to fill these gaps by evaluating the nutritional value of insect-based protein in poultry diets and investigating the practical adoption of waste-to-feed technologies among poultry farmers in Ibadan. The insights gained will inform stakeholders on optimizing feed strategies and scaling up sustainable poultry production within the region. ________________________________________ 1.3 Objectives of the Study 1. To assess the nutritional composition and value of insect-based protein used in poultry diets in Ibadan. 2. To evaluate the impact of insect-based feed on poultry growth performance, health, and productivity. 3. To investigate the level of awareness, perception, and adoption of waste-to-feed innovations among poultry farmers in Ibadan. 4. To identify challenges and opportunities associated with integrating insect-based proteins into commercial poultry feed systems. ________________________________________ 1.4 Research Questions 1. What is the nutritional composition of insect-based protein used in poultry diets in Ibadan? 2. How does the inclusion of insect-based protein affect poultry growth and productivity? 3. What is the level of awareness and acceptance of waste-to-feed innovations among poultry farmers in Ibadan? 4. What are the main challenges and opportunities for adopting insect-based protein feeds in the local poultry industry? ________________________________________ 1.5 Research Hypotheses 1. Inclusion of insect-based protein in poultry diets significantly improves growth performance and productivity compared to conventional feeds. 2. There is a significant positive relationship between poultry farmers’ awareness of waste-to-feed innovations and their adoption of insect-based protein feeds. ________________________________________ 1.6 Significance of the Study This study offers critical insights for policymakers by providing empirical evidence on the nutritional benefits and practical challenges of integrating insect-based proteins into poultry feed. Such information can guide the formulation of supportive regulations, incentives, and extension services that promote sustainable animal feed innovations. For poultry farmers and the broader community, the research highlights alternative feed options that could reduce production costs, enhance poultry health and productivity, and contribute to environmental sustainability through effective organic waste management. This promotes economic empowerment and food security at the local level. Academically, the study contributes to the growing body of literature on circular economy practices and sustainable livestock feeding in sub-Saharan Africa. It bridges gaps between laboratory research and field application, providing a foundation for further studies on insect protein use in tropical poultry systems. ________________________________________ 1.7 Scope of the Study The study is geographically limited to poultry farmers operating within Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, focusing on both small-scale and commercial producers. Variables examined include nutritional composition of insect protein, poultry growth metrics (weight gain, feed conversion ratio), farmer awareness and perceptions, and socio-economic factors influencing adoption. The research covers insect species commonly used for feed production in the region, such as black soldier fly larvae and mealworms, and evaluates their integration into poultry diets under practical farming conditions. This localized approach allows for contextualized findings relevant to urban poultry systems in tropical West Africa.