Small flies, big impact: RUNRES at the Circular Bioeconomy Network Conference
The RUNRES team recently participated in the International Biochar Initiative and Circular Bioeconomy Network Conference in Nairobi. They showcased innovative Black Soldier Fly (BSF) technology, demonstrating how it converts organic waste into valuable resources, which in turn boosts food security and reduces costs in African city-regions.
The Flagship Project Enhancing Resilience in Food Systems seeks to directly contribute to food systems resilience by supporting decision-making in practice through stakeholder participation in case studies and academic education in four countries: Ethiopia, Rwanda, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The project was initiated in 2013 and is led by World Food System Center member Johan Six. Here is the latest update.
International Biochar Initiative and Circular Bioeconomy Network Conference
The RUNRES (Rural-Urban Nexus: Establishing a nutrient loop to improve city region food system Resilience) team took part in the International Biochar Initiative and Circular Bioeconomy Network Conference, held in Nairobi, Kenya from June 2nd to 6th, 2025. The event centered around two key themes: the development of biochar-based businesses and the agronomic use of nutrient and carbon recovery systems. Partial funding for the conference was provided through an ETH4D grant, secured via Professor Johan Six’s Sustainable Agroecosystems group.
Transforming Waste: Black Soldier Fly Innovations
On Day 4 of the Circular Bioeconomy Workshop, two RUNRES-supported entrepreneurs showcased innovative uses of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) technology. Francis Kavutse from Rwanda’s Maggot Farm Production shared how BSF transforms organic waste into high-protein livestock feed and nutrient-rich frass, resulting in a 28% increase in maize yields and a 35% reduction in poultry feed costs. Jean Bosco Odawa of Intindambwe Feeds complemented this by presenting business models that use BSF for vertical integration and job creation, noting that BSF eggs can sell for up to five times the price of larvae. Prof. Johan Six presented on the effects of alternative fertilizers such as nitrified urine fertilizer (NUF), DEWATS products, and BSF frass on crop growth and yield.
Collaborative Nutrient Recycling Initiatives
At the conference, the RUNRES team showcased sustainable innovations that promote nutrient recycling initiatives implemented in collaboration with entrepreneurs from Bukavu (DRC), Arba Minch (Ethiopia), Msunduzi (South Africa), and Kamonyi (Rwanda). Their exhibition attracted significant interest, particularly from entrepreneurs and other sustainability-focused projects.