Economic Prospect of Volarization of Organic Waste at Mandate Modern Market in Ilorin with Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) (Hermetia illucens L) (Diptera; Stratiomyidae)

The improper disposal of solid organic waste (SOW) in urban markets contributes significantly to environmental degradation, health hazards, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study evaluated the viability and efficiency of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) technology in biodegrading vegetable waste and cattle cud from Mandate Modern Market, Ilorin, Nigeria. Vegetable waste and cattle cud from abattoir were processed and inoculated with 6-DOL BSFL, assessing parameters such as waste reduction rate (WRR), bioconversion efficiency (BCE), and larval biomass yield. Results showed vegetable waste achieved the highest WRR (73.78%) and BCE (8.38%), significantly outperforming cattle cud and control feeds (p < 0.05). Proximate analysis revealed BSFL-prepupae from vegetable waste were rich in protein (33.52%) and lipids (22.11%), while the frass retained high ash content, indicating potential for organic fertilizer use. Economic assessment demonstrated that processing 100 kg of vegetable waste could yield up to 20 kg of protein-rich larvae and valuable frass, turning waste liabilities into productive assets. The study confirms BSFL’s potential as a sustainable, low-cost waste management and protein production solution for urban markets in Nigeria.