Intention to adopt and willingness to pay for insect-based feed for poultry farming in East Africa

The rapid expansion of black soldier fly (BSF) farming for high-quality feed protein is attracting global attention. As an eco-friendly strategy for converting organic waste into sustainable feed, BSF production has prompted African governments to develop standards and policies to support the insect feed sector. However, empirical evidence on farmers' intention to use BSF-based feed and their willingness to pay (WTP) for it remains scarce. This study evaluates poultry farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding BSF-based feed; assesses their intention to use it, willingness to pay (WTP), and demand for it; and identifies the factors influencing their WTP. The study used survey data from 914 farmers in Ethiopia (700) and Rwanda (214). Because BSF feed was not yet commercially available, we applied a contingent valuation approach and presented a sample of dried BSF larvae during the interviews. Although 92% of farmers were aware that insects can be used as poultry feed, most did not know that insects can be mass-produced and processed into feed. Fewer than 20% had ever used insects as feed, and less than 15% had tried insect-based feed specifically. Nevertheless, 98% expressed a willingness to use BSF-based feed if it were available on the market. Farmers in Ethiopia were willing to pay 0.14 USD/kg, about 42% below soybean prices. In contrast, farmers in Rwanda were willing to pay about 0.19 USD/kg, comparable to the local price of soybeans. Among farmers willing to use BSF-based feed, the estimated demand for dried larvae exceeds 183 tonnes per day, with Ethiopia accounting for the vast majority (167 tonnes per day) and Rwanda for the remainder (16 tonnes per day). These projected volumes should be interpreted as an optimistic indicator of potential market interest rather than guaranteed commercial uptake. Regression results indicate that efforts to promote BSF-based feed should focus on farmers who already practice good poultry management (such as vaccination) and on areas receiving NGO or government support for poultry development. Entrepreneurs should prioritize scaling BSF larvae production by targeting commercially oriented poultry farmers. At the same time, governments and development partners can accelerate adoption by strengthening extension support and veterinary services.