Shaphan Yong Chia (PhD)
Insect-based Nutrition and Ecological Sustainability
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Shaphan Yong Chia (PhD)
Insect-based Nutrition and Ecological Sustainability
Insects for Food, Feed and Other Uses Programme (INSEFF) - Environmental Health Theme,
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
I am an Entomologist seeking to uncover innovative and sustainable technologies in food production systems that improve livelihood through multidisciplinary applied and exploratory research.
I am a Research Scientist at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi, Kenya. I investigate edible insects, their nutritional potential in livestock diets, application derived products including extracted insect oil, defatted insect meal, residual insect streams (frass) as an organic fertiliser for soil health enhancement, plant growth promotion and plant protection in a circular economic context.
I enjoy collaborating with scientists from different disciplines to develop new skills and solve challenges in food production and environmental sustainability.
I am a Research Scientist at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi, Kenya. I investigate edible insects, their nutritional potential in livestock diets, application derived products including extracted insect oil, defatted insect meal, residual insect streams (frass) as an organic fertiliser for soil health enhancement, plant growth promotion and plant protection in a circular economic context.
I enjoy collaborating with scientists from different disciplines to develop new skills and solve challenges in food production and environmental sustainability.
This site showcases the many journeys I’ve taken and what I currently work on. I do many different things, but with each project I take on I approach it with the greatest enthusiasm and focus. Take the time to explore my multidisciplinary research work and more. I hope you find it interesting and that it sparks something inside you.
My Education
2019
PhD in Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands.
2015
Master of Philosophy (MPhil.) in Entomology, African Regional Postgraduate Programme in Insect Science (ARPPIS), University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
2011
BSc in Zoology & Medical Laboratory Technology, University of Buea, Cameroon.
PhD in Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands.
2015
Master of Philosophy (MPhil.) in Entomology, African Regional Postgraduate Programme in Insect Science (ARPPIS), University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
2011
BSc in Zoology & Medical Laboratory Technology, University of Buea, Cameroon.
Professional Certification:
2022
Animal Feed Production - Feed Quality, Queen's University Belfast & European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT).
Other certifications (see here)
Animal Feed Production - Feed Quality, Queen's University Belfast & European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT).
Other certifications (see here)
Appreciation
To the different institutions (including my supervisors, teachers, and other staff members) that guided me through my academic journey. In diverse ways, you made learning possible for me, especially when I thought it wasn't.
A special thank you to all my funding sources, including icipe, DAAD, NWO and WUR
Previous work experience
October 2020 - October 2023:
Postdoctoral Researcher, Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Netherlands. During this period, I investigated several topics including but not limited to the circularity potential of edible insect production through valorisation of insect residual streams, insect-plant interactions, soil microbial ecology, soil health, plant growth promotion, biological control insect pests, etc. Addtionally, I assisted in the teaching of BSc and MSc courses. I also Supervised MSc thesis projects.
January - August 2018
Doctoral Researcher, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), Naivasha, Kenya. I formulated and tested BSF-based feed on Growing-Finishing Pigs, assessing their the growth and health performance, Carcass yield and economic performance of BSF-based feed.
2016 - 2018
Doctoral Researcher, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya (icipe). I investigated the environmental (temperature and rearing substrate) potential of mass rearing BSF. I access the nutritional composition of BSF larvae reared on agro-industrial by-products (spent grains). Additionally, I assessed farmer knowledge and willingness to pay for insect-based feed in 4 counties in Kenya.
Postdoctoral Researcher, Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Netherlands. During this period, I investigated several topics including but not limited to the circularity potential of edible insect production through valorisation of insect residual streams, insect-plant interactions, soil microbial ecology, soil health, plant growth promotion, biological control insect pests, etc. Addtionally, I assisted in the teaching of BSc and MSc courses. I also Supervised MSc thesis projects.
January - August 2018
Doctoral Researcher, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), Naivasha, Kenya. I formulated and tested BSF-based feed on Growing-Finishing Pigs, assessing their the growth and health performance, Carcass yield and economic performance of BSF-based feed.
2016 - 2018
Doctoral Researcher, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya (icipe). I investigated the environmental (temperature and rearing substrate) potential of mass rearing BSF. I access the nutritional composition of BSF larvae reared on agro-industrial by-products (spent grains). Additionally, I assessed farmer knowledge and willingness to pay for insect-based feed in 4 counties in Kenya.
Recent Publications
Dietary Inclusion of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Reared on Hatchery Waste Affects Serum Biochemical and Haematological Parameters of Brahma Chickens
Mube Kuietche Hervé, B.J. Nke Bela, Dzepe Daniel, Vemo Bertin, M.J. Manga, Ebile Dayan, A.S. Tatsinkou, Kana Jean Raphael and Shaphan Y. Chia
International Journal of Poultry Science, https://doi.org/10.3923/ijps.2023.126.137
Mube Kuietche Hervé, B.J. Nke Bela, Dzepe Daniel, Vemo Bertin, M.J. Manga, Ebile Dayan, A.S. Tatsinkou, Kana Jean Raphael and Shaphan Y. Chia
International Journal of Poultry Science, https://doi.org/10.3923/ijps.2023.126.137
Exploring Insect-based technology for waste management and livestock feeding in selected south and east Asian countries
Muhammad Salam, Longyu Zheng, Dezhi Shi, Zheng Huaili, Viola Vambol, Shaphan Y. Chia, Md. Nuralam Hossain, Abdelaziz Mansour, Moataz Eliw, Mengyao Dong, Amina shazadi, Ehsan Ullah
Environmental Technology & Innovation, doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2023.103260, June 2023, 103260
Environmental Technology & Innovation, doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2023.103260, June 2023, 103260
Insects as food and medicine: a sustainable solution for global health and environmental challenges
Owusu Fordjour Aidoo, Jonathan Osei-Owusu, Kwasi Asante, Aboagye Kwarteng Dofuor, Belinda Obenewa Boateng, Shadrack Kwaku Debrah, Kodwo Dadzie Ninsin, Shahida Anusha Siddiqui, Shaphan Y. Chia
Frontiers in Nutrition, 10:1113219, 2023
Frontiers in Nutrition, 10:1113219, 2023
Remediation of pesticide residues using ozone: A comprehensive overview
Owusu Fordjour Aidoo, Jonathan Osei-Owusu, Shaphan Y. Chia, Aboagye Kwarteng Dofuor, Akua Konadu Antwi-Agyakwa, Harry Okyere, Michael Gyan, George Edusei, Kodwo Dadzie Ninsin, Rahmat Quaigrane Duker, Shahida Anusha Siddiqui, Christian Borgemeister
Science of The Total Environment, doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164933
Science of The Total Environment, doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164933
Hettie A. Boafo, D. S. J. C. Gbemavo, E.C. Timpong-Jones, M. Billah V. Eziah, Shaphan Y. Chia, O.F. Aidoo, V.A. Clottey, M. Kenis
Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, vol. 9(2), 2023, pp. 183 - 192
Welfare considerations for farming black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae): a model for the insects as food and feed industry
Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, vol. 9(2), 2023, pp. 183 - 192
Welfare considerations for farming black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae): a model for the insects as food and feed industry
M. Barrett, Shaphan Y. Chia, B. Fischer, J.K. Tomberlin
Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, vol. 9(2), 2023, pp. 119 - 148
Application of Black Soldier Fly Frass, Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) as Sustainable Organic Fertilizer for Lettuce, Lactuca sativa Production
Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, vol. 9(2), 2023, pp. 119 - 148
Application of Black Soldier Fly Frass, Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) as Sustainable Organic Fertilizer for Lettuce, Lactuca sativa Production
Daniel Dzepe, Théclaire K. Mbenda, Gabrièle Ngassa, Hervé Mube, Shaphan Y. Chia, Yaouba Aoudou, Rousseau Djouaka
Open Journal of Applied Sciences, vol. 12(10), 2022, pp. 1632-1648
Open Journal of Applied Sciences, vol. 12(10), 2022, pp. 1632-1648
My Research
As an Entomologist, I am interested in understanding the role of insects in crop damage and how to manage such damage. Most importantly, I am interested in studying how beneficial insects (edible insects) contribute to the well-being of humans, animals, and crop plants.
My long-term goal is to identify and characterize the scientific mechanisms specific to my principal areas of research; insects as food and animal feed, crop protection, frass as plant fertiliser, insects and agribusiness, circular agriculture and general insect welfare.
Ever since I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be a professional researcher when I grew up. I’ve always found many subjects intriguing and interesting, motivating me to investigate and research as many sources of information as I could get my hands on. Looking back, it’s that passion and commitment to exploration and discovery that has contributed to my research and publication success.
Our society is currently facing several food security challenges, some of which are threatening our future livelihood: climate change, population growth, declining natural resources, increased demand for food, and social and economic amenities, to name but a few.
My long-term goal is to identify and characterize the scientific mechanisms specific to my principal areas of research; insects as food and animal feed, crop protection, frass as plant fertiliser, insects and agribusiness, circular agriculture and general insect welfare.
Ever since I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be a professional researcher when I grew up. I’ve always found many subjects intriguing and interesting, motivating me to investigate and research as many sources of information as I could get my hands on. Looking back, it’s that passion and commitment to exploration and discovery that has contributed to my research and publication success.
Our society is currently facing several food security challenges, some of which are threatening our future livelihood: climate change, population growth, declining natural resources, increased demand for food, and social and economic amenities, to name but a few.
My mission is to study how insects and their by-products can connect livestock and crop production in the context of circular agriculture for sustainable livelihoods, especially for smallholder-resource-poor communities. This is expressed in my motto: Responsible Production For Sustainable Livelihoods.