Young Refugees Turn Waste into Wealth Through Black Soldier Fly Farming at Dzaleka Camp

What began as a small experiment at the edge of a refugee camp is steadily growing into a model of hope and possibility.

Augustin in the line of duty

Dowa, Malawi— At the edge of Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa district, Central Region, a group of young refugees is quietly pioneering a green revolution, turning mountains of organic waste into valuable resources and sustainable livelihoods, one tray of black soldier fly larvae at a time, writes Happy Njalam’mano.

Dzaleka Refugee Camp, home to thousands of displaced people from across Africa, is often associated with hardship and limited opportunities.

Yet, amid these challenges, innovation is taking root. Leading the charge is 21-year-old Augustin Irakoze, president of the Dzaleka Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Farm, a youth-led enterprise launched in 2024 that is redefining how refugees and surrounding communities view waste, agriculture, and economic empowerment.

Born in 2003 in a refugee camp in Tanzania, Augustin’s life has been shaped by displacement and resilience.

His family moved to Burundi in 2012 before settling in Dzaleka in 2013.

Today, at just 21, he heads a dedicated team of six young people — two women and four men — who share a common vision of transforming environmental liabilities into economic assets.

“I was inspired by the need to turn waste into wealth,” said Augustin Irakoze. “We wanted to reduce environmental pollution while creating economic opportunities for refugee youth and surrounding communities.”

The core of their work revolves around breeding Black Soldier Flies, an insect species renowned for its remarkable ability to consume large quantities of organic waste, including food scraps and agricultural leftovers that would otherwise pollute the environment.

The larvae rapidly process this waste, emerging as a high-protein feed for poultry and fish, while the leftover residue — known as frass — serves as a potent organic fertilizer rich in nutrients.

This circular economy model offers a low-cost, eco-friendly alternative to expensive commercial animal feeds and chemical fertilizers, which are often beyond the reach of small-scale farmers in Malawi.

The youth who are changing the waste narrative at the refugee camp

Since scaling up operations, the Dzaleka BSF Farm has significantly reduced organic waste discarded in and around the camp.

Local chicken and fish farmers now rely on the affordable protein-rich larvae to boost livestock productivity, while crop growers benefit from improved soil health and higher yields thanks to the natural frass fertiliser.

The impact extends far beyond immediate income generation.

By addressing waste management challenges, the initiative contributes to a cleaner environment and better public health in the camp and host communities.

It also strengthens food security in a region where soil degradation and high input costs frequently threaten agricultural productivity.

“Protein-rich feed helps poultry and fish farmers expand production, which can lower food prices and increase access to nutritious foods,” Augustin explained.

“Meanwhile, the organic fertilizer supports healthier crops, boosting agricultural output where yields are often vulnerable.”

The project is proving particularly valuable for refugee youth, providing them with practical skills, purpose, and a source of income in an environment where traditional employment opportunities are scarce.

Team members are not only producing feed and fertilizer but are also actively training others interested in starting similar ventures, spreading knowledge and inspiring broader adoption of the technology.

Looking ahead, the team harbours ambitious plans for growth.

They are actively seeking investment in essential equipment, including a truck for efficient collection of organic waste from wider areas and additional processing units to increase production capacity.

With expanded operations, they aim to serve more farmers across Dowa district and neighbouring areas, develop value-added products, and further integrate their model into Malawi’s emerging sustainable agribusiness sector.

For Augustin, the Black Soldier Fly farm represents more than just a business venture.

“The Black Soldier Fly farming model shows that sustainable development can start with something as simple as waste. With the right support, we can improve livelihoods, strengthen food systems, and create lasting change,” he said.

In a place too often defined by limitations and dependency, the Dzaleka BSF Farm stands as a powerful testament to the ingenuity, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit of young refugees.

It demonstrates how circular economy principles can foster self-reliance, environmental sustainability, and community resilience even in the most challenging settings.

Nutrient-rich frass improves soil health and crop yields

As the initiative gains recognition, it offers valuable lessons for policymakers, development partners, and humanitarian organisations on the potential of youth-led innovations to address multiple Sustainable Development Goals — from responsible consumption and climate action to zero hunger and decent work.

What began as a small experiment at the edge of a refugee camp is steadily growing into a model of hope and possibility.

With continued support and scaling, Dzaleka’s young farmers are not only rebuilding their own lives but also laying the foundation for a more sustainable and inclusive agricultural future in Malawi.

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