Nkhotakota Insect Farm Coordinator

Nkhotakota Insect Farm Coordinator (Part-Time)

Black Soldier Fly Pilot Project – Nkhotakota District, Malawi

Location	Nkhotakota District – must live in or near Nkhotakota
Duration	3 months (April–June 2026), with option for extension if the pilot succeeds
Commitment	Part-time – approx. 15–20 hours per week, flexible
Compensation	MK 50,000/month. Data, transportation, materials and participant costs covered by the project.

About the Project: Black Soldier Fly Farming

With increasing costs of fertiliser and feed, smallholder farmers in Nkhotakota require sustainable alternatives they can produce locally. Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae offer a solution: they efficiently convert organic waste into animal feed, which contains 35–50% protein, directly replacing expensive fishmeal and soybean meal. The residual frass serves as an effective organic fertiliser. These flies are indigenous to Malawi, the system can be constructed using local materials, and operational costs are minimal.

This initiative aims to evaluate the practical application of BSF farming within Nkhotakota. It is a hands-on trial, not a typical NGO project, focusing on a direct question: can BSF farming thrive here? Success will lead to expansion; challenges will inform learning.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a community-minded individual from Nkhotakota with practical skills and a willingness to engage in hands-on work. You should have strong connections within the local community, particularly with fish farmers, market vendors, and livestock keepers. We are looking for someone who is proactive in building, experimenting, and problem-solving, rather than merely reporting on others' activities.

Essential Requirements:

• Strong community ties in Nkhotakota; known and connected to local networks.
• Practical experience in farming, fish keeping, poultry, or livestock management.
• A hands-on approach to tasks, including constructing wooden bins, handling food waste, and routinely monitoring insect larvae.
• Access to a functional smartphone with WhatsApp for communication and photo sharing.
• Demonstrated honesty and self-motivation, as this role involves significant independent work.

Advantageous, but Not Required:

• Background in agriculture, aquaculture, or extension services.
• Experience in working with or training farmer groups, women’s groups, or cooperatives.
• Basic carpentry skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Acquire knowledge of BSF farming through provided documentation and practical experimentation, embracing a pilot approach that encourages learning through trial and error.
• Recruit a small cohort of 3–5 local participants (preferably women or youth involved in fish or poultry farming) to collaborate on the pilot project.
• Source local materials and coordinate the construction of simple rearing bins and a breeding cage.
• Establish and manage a BSF colony, working alongside participants to transfer operational skills.
• Engage the community by sharing information, demonstrating the concept, and inviting observation to generate local interest.
• Maintain consistent communication: twice-weekly WhatsApp updates with photos, a concise monthly summary, and a weekly phone call.

Project Support Provided

• A monthly stipend of MWK 50,000 for your time.
• Coverage for all material costs (e.g., bins, mesh, tools) and small stipends for participating farmers' time during the trial.
• Documentation on BSF farming tailored to local conditions, serving as a starting point for hands-on learning rather than a rigid manual.
• Remote support via WhatsApp, offering discussions, answers to questions, and assistance in navigating challenges.
• Potential for project extension and expansion of your role upon successful pilot completion.

Measures of Success After 3 Months

The objective is to establish a functional BSF colony actively producing larvae. A small group of farmers should be capable of operating the system autonomously. We expect transparent records detailing both successes and challenges. Perfection is not the goal; rather, we seek dedicated effort, honesty, and a thriving colony. The outcome should be operational bins and knowledgeable individuals, rather than a formal final report.

Application Process

Please send an email detailing your name, current location, profession, reasons for interest in this role, and one reference from a person in Nkhotakota who can endorse you. A Curriculum Vitae is welcome but not mandatory.

Contact: applications@lumina-cl.com

Deadline: 15th April 2026