Esco's Bricolage Ltd

Executive Summary 

Each year, an estimated one-third of all food produced worldwide for human consumption is lost or wasted, which amounts to 1.3 billion Tonnes per year. Interestingly, most people do not realize how much food they throw away every day —from leftovers to spoiled produce. In Ghana, recent statistics by the World Health Organization (WHO) show that Accra, the capital city alone produces approximately 603,000 metric tons of solid waste per year, at a rate of 0.5 kilograms per person per day. In light of this, local municipalities and communities face a dilemma on how to sustainably collect, treat and recycle organic waste at a net benefit to society. 

Going green means implementing certain lifestyle changes designed to help you live in an eco-friendlier way. It means becoming more environmentally aware and changing your behavior and lifestyle to reduce the amount of pollution and waste you generate.

Protein production suffers so many losses in Ghana. Annual consumption continues to outstrip the domestic supply. 400, 000 metric Tonnes of chicken protein are imported into the country every year. There are just about 15 commercial poultry farms in Ghana. Including the small-scale farmers produce just about 70, 000 metric Tonnes of both eggs and chicken.

Some of the reasons for low production in Ghana are:

• High cost of Protein feed

• cheaper imported meet

• Expensive Veterinary services

To aid in addressing this problem, we seek to create economic value whilst eliminating unsafe methods of organic waste disposal. With a focus on Accra’s major markets and through partnerships with local market women, and community youth, the project will source organic waste (perishable goods) from market centers. The organic waste shall then be used as organic material for palm weevil larvae, mealworms, mopane worms and black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) production. The economic outputs from this process are organic fertiliser and insect-based protein for animal feed production.

Innovations addressing the global food crises.

The global food crisis, characterized by challenges such as climate change, population growth, resource depletion, and economic disparities, demands innovative and sustainable solutions to ensure food security for all. In recent years, advancements in technology, agricultural practices, and policy frameworks have paved the way for innovative approaches to address these complex issues. This introduction provides an overview of some key innovations that are playing a crucial role in mitigating the global food crisis.

Precision Agriculture:

One of the groundbreaking innovations addressing the global food crisis is precision agriculture. By integrating cutting-edge technologies such as drones, sensors, and data analytics, farmers can optimize resource utilization, monitor crop health in real-time, and minimize waste. Precision agriculture not only enhances productivity but also contributes to sustainable and efficient farming practices.

Climate-Smart Agriculture:

With the escalating challenges posed by climate change, the agricultural sector is embracing climate-smart practices. This includes the development and adoption of resilient crop varieties capable of withstanding adverse weather conditions. Additionally, water management policies and sustainable farming practices are being implemented to ensure the long-term viability of agriculture in the face of climate uncertainties.

Sustainable Farming Practices:

Agroecology and organic farming are gaining prominence as sustainable alternatives to conventional farming methods. These approaches prioritize ecological balance, biodiversity, and soil health, contributing to resilient and environmentally friendly agricultural systems. Policies that incentivize organic farming and promote agro ecological principles play a pivotal role in fostering sustainable food production.

Food Loss and Waste Reduction:

Addressing the issue of food loss and waste is crucial for global food security. Policies aimed at optimizing supply chains, improving storage facilities, and educating consumers about responsible consumption are key components of a comprehensive strategy to reduce post-harvest losses and minimize waste throughout the food system.

Investment in Research and Development:

Research and development in agriculture, particularly in crop innovation and emerging technologies, are instrumental in enhancing food production efficiency. Genetic modifications, gene editing, and advancements in vertical farming are examples of innovations that hold the potential to revolutionize agriculture and increase overall food yields.

Policy Support for Smallholder Farmers:

Recognizing the vital role of smallholder farmers in global food production, policies that ensure their access to resources, including credit, technology, and markets, are essential. Risk mitigation measures such as insurance schemes can provide a safety net for farmers facing uncertainties related to climate and market fluctuations.

International Collaboration:

The interconnected nature of the global food system emphasizes the need for international collaboration. Fairtrade policies, global research initiatives, and data-sharing mechanisms are essential components of a cooperative approach to addressing food crises. By fostering collaboration between nations and organizations, we can create a more equitable and resilient global food landscape.

As we navigate the challenges of the global food crisis, these innovations and policies offer a beacon of hope, showcasing the potential for a sustainable and secure future where every individual has access to nutritious food. Through concerted efforts and continued innovation, we can build a resilient food system that meets the needs of the present and future generations.

Problem Statement

Food Loss and Waste Reduction: Using food waste to generate protein meal in aid of livestock production.

Low meat production in Ghana due to insufficient feed is a significant challenge that can be addressed through targeted interventions and innovative approaches. The availability and affordability of quality animal feed play a crucial role in livestock farming, influencing the overall productivity and profitability of the sector. According to the Ghana Ministry of Agric,

The National demand for poultry meat alone is about 400,000MT with local production of just about 57,871MT, an indication that imports of poultry meat are about 340,000MT. Here are some strategies to tackle the issue of low meat production in Ghana specifically related to feed shortages with a focus on insect-based alternatives: 

Promote Sustainable Forage Production:

Encourage the cultivation of high-quality forage crops that are well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. Provide farmers with training and resources to implement sustainable forage management practices.

Utilize Locally Available Feed Resources:

Identify and promote locally available feed resources, including crop residues, agro-industrial by-products, and non-conventional feeds that can supplement animal diets.

Develop and disseminate information on appropriate processing methods to enhance the nutritional value of available feed resources.

Support Small-Scale Feed Production:

Provide small-scale farmers with training and support to produce their feed locally.

Promote the establishment of community-based feed processing units to produce cost-effective and nutritionally balanced feed.

Research and Development:

Invest in research to develop and adapt feed formulations that are cost-effective, nutritionally balanced, and suitable for local livestock breeds.

Collaborate with research institutions and agricultural extension services to disseminate improved feeding practices to farmers.

Promote Alternative Protein Sources:

Explore and promote alternative protein sources, such as insect-based protein, which can be produced using organic waste and provide a sustainable feed option.

Encourage the use of locally available protein-rich plants in animal diets.

Public-Private Partnerships:

Facilitate partnerships between the government, private sector, and non-governmental organizations to invest in the feed industry.

Support private enterprises in the production of affordable and quality animal feed.

Capacity Building and Extension Services:

Strengthen extension services to provide farmers with knowledge on improved feeding practices, including proper feeding schedules, ration formulations, and feed management.

Establish training programs to enhance the capacity of farmers in feed production and management.