Research Overview
My research explores how insect-based technologies can be integrated into livestock and crop production systems to improve nutritional efficiency, environmental sustainability, and livelihoods. I work at the interface of insect science, animal nutrition, and circular bioeconomy, with a strong emphasis on generating applied evidence that supports real-world adoption of insect-based solutions. A central objective of my work is to understand how insects and their derived products function within biological and production systems, and how these functions can be harnessed to support climate-smart, resource-efficient food systems, particularly in low- and middle-income contexts.
Insects for Animal Feed
A core line of my research focuses on the use of edible insects, such as the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) as alternative feed ingredients for different animal species. I investigate how insects, insect meals and insect oils influence: animal growth performance and feed efficiency; animal health and physiological responses; carcass traits and product quality. This work spans non-ruminant and ruminant animal species, including poultry, pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs, fish, dairy goats, and beef and dairy cows, and combines controlled feeding trials with applied, context-specific evaluations. I aim to provide robust scientific evidence on the nutritional suitability, safety, and performance implications of insect-based feeds.
Functional Role of Insect Oils
Beyond protein replacement, my research is increasingly focusing on the role of insect-derived lipids as functional feed components.
I study how insect oils interact with animal metabolism and physiology, with particular attention to: nutrient utilisation and energy metabolism; gut health and immune-related responses; implications for feed formulation and product quality. This research direction contributes to the growing interest in functional feeds and sustainable alternatives to conventional vegetable oils in animal nutrition.
Circular Bioeconomy and Waste Valorisation
A unifying theme across my research is the role of insects in closing nutrient loops within agri-food systems. I examine how organic residues can be transformed into valuable insect biomass, while assessing: bioconversion efficiency and production performance; environmental trade-offs and sustainability outcomes; opportunities for integrating insect farming into existing value chains. This research supports the development of waste-to-feed and waste-to-value systems that align animal production with circular bioeconomy principles.
Insect Residual Streams and Soil–Plant Systems
My work extends beyond animal feed to explore the potential of insect residual streams (frass) as organic fertilisers and soil amendments.
Key questions in this line of research include: how does insect frass influence soil nutrient dynamics and soil health?; What are its effects on plant growth, productivity, and crop performance?; How can frass contribute to integrated crop–livestock systems?. By connecting insect farming with soil and crop systems, this research strengthens the circularity and environmental relevance of insect-based technologies.
Insect Welfare and Sustainable Production Systems
The rapid expansion of insect farming for food and feed has renewed attention to the biological and ethical dimensions of insect mass production. As insect-based systems scale, understanding how rearing conditions influence insect welfare and production sustainability has become increasingly important. I engage these questions by focusing on welfare considerations and sustainable rearing practices in insect farming. This includes research on: effects of rearing conditions on insect performance; implications of production practices for insect welfare; alignment of insect farming with emerging standards and societal expectations.
Research Approach and Philosophy
Across all the research themes, my approach is multidisciplinary and applied. I combine laboratory experimentation, on-farm trials, and socio-economic analysis, while working closely with students, collaborators, and stakeholders across Africa and beyond. My research is guided by the principle that scientific innovation must be context-appropriate, scalable, and socially relevant. By linking biological mechanisms with production realities, I aim to contribute knowledge that informs both policy and practice.
My research explores how insect-based technologies can be integrated into livestock and crop production systems to improve nutritional efficiency, environmental sustainability, and livelihoods. I work at the interface of insect science, animal nutrition, and circular bioeconomy, with a strong emphasis on generating applied evidence that supports real-world adoption of insect-based solutions. A central objective of my work is to understand how insects and their derived products function within biological and production systems, and how these functions can be harnessed to support climate-smart, resource-efficient food systems, particularly in low- and middle-income contexts.
Insects for Animal Feed
A core line of my research focuses on the use of edible insects, such as the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) as alternative feed ingredients for different animal species. I investigate how insects, insect meals and insect oils influence: animal growth performance and feed efficiency; animal health and physiological responses; carcass traits and product quality. This work spans non-ruminant and ruminant animal species, including poultry, pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs, fish, dairy goats, and beef and dairy cows, and combines controlled feeding trials with applied, context-specific evaluations. I aim to provide robust scientific evidence on the nutritional suitability, safety, and performance implications of insect-based feeds.
Functional Role of Insect Oils
Beyond protein replacement, my research is increasingly focusing on the role of insect-derived lipids as functional feed components.
I study how insect oils interact with animal metabolism and physiology, with particular attention to: nutrient utilisation and energy metabolism; gut health and immune-related responses; implications for feed formulation and product quality. This research direction contributes to the growing interest in functional feeds and sustainable alternatives to conventional vegetable oils in animal nutrition.
Circular Bioeconomy and Waste Valorisation
A unifying theme across my research is the role of insects in closing nutrient loops within agri-food systems. I examine how organic residues can be transformed into valuable insect biomass, while assessing: bioconversion efficiency and production performance; environmental trade-offs and sustainability outcomes; opportunities for integrating insect farming into existing value chains. This research supports the development of waste-to-feed and waste-to-value systems that align animal production with circular bioeconomy principles.
Insect Residual Streams and Soil–Plant Systems
My work extends beyond animal feed to explore the potential of insect residual streams (frass) as organic fertilisers and soil amendments.
Key questions in this line of research include: how does insect frass influence soil nutrient dynamics and soil health?; What are its effects on plant growth, productivity, and crop performance?; How can frass contribute to integrated crop–livestock systems?. By connecting insect farming with soil and crop systems, this research strengthens the circularity and environmental relevance of insect-based technologies.
Insect Welfare and Sustainable Production Systems
The rapid expansion of insect farming for food and feed has renewed attention to the biological and ethical dimensions of insect mass production. As insect-based systems scale, understanding how rearing conditions influence insect welfare and production sustainability has become increasingly important. I engage these questions by focusing on welfare considerations and sustainable rearing practices in insect farming. This includes research on: effects of rearing conditions on insect performance; implications of production practices for insect welfare; alignment of insect farming with emerging standards and societal expectations.
Research Approach and Philosophy
Across all the research themes, my approach is multidisciplinary and applied. I combine laboratory experimentation, on-farm trials, and socio-economic analysis, while working closely with students, collaborators, and stakeholders across Africa and beyond. My research is guided by the principle that scientific innovation must be context-appropriate, scalable, and socially relevant. By linking biological mechanisms with production realities, I aim to contribute knowledge that informs both policy and practice.