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In the context of implementing PROTeinAfrica project, the University of Rwanda-College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (UR-CAVM) organized a two-day workshop bringing together researchers involved in the Project with the objective of discussing and finetuning the project research plans.

The workshop took place at UR, Rubilizi campus from 30th to 31st January 2024.

PROTeinAfrica whose full title is “Upscaling the benefits of insect-based animal feed technologies for sustainable Agricultural intensification in Africa”, is a regional project implemented in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.

In Rwanda it is implemented by UR in partnership with the International Center for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE).
The project intends to develop high quality insect-based protein as an ingredient used in animal feed formulations, it will be implemented under three main components : research, insect farmers capacity building and exchange visits to share knowledge and promote the benefits of insect rearing as a business.

Through this project, three MSc students are being supported to conduct their research o different aspects of insect-based animal feeds for chicken and fish rearing, as well as the study on effects of post-havest handling of black soldier fly-based feeds on their quality and shelf life.

In his opening address, Dr. Didace NDAHIMANA, the Principal Investigator (PI) of the project noted the importance of this workshop, as a good opportunity to bring together MSc students and their supervisors so that they can finalize the planning of the project research activities.
After the opening, Dr. Didace made a presentation in which he provided an overview of the project and its importance in addressing challenges related to food production and waste management for environment protection. This was followed by another presentation by Dr. Pascal Nyabinwa, Senior Research Fellow from RAB who is one of the students ‘supervisors.
He discussed the current situation of black soldier fly farming in Rwanda, the opportunities, challenges and potential solutions in this field.

During the workshop, MSc students had an opportunity to present their research proposals and participants provided inputs for finetuning the research plans and objectives. At the end of the workshop, a road map was developed to facilitate the implementation of the remaining research activities.