Abstract:
Marine overexploitation to produce quality fish meal to meet the increasing livestock feed
demand is threaten to the natural resource sustainability. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL;
Hermetia illucens) as non-pest, is positively proven for its exceptional bio-waste degradation
ability into crude proteins and fats and spinning-off organic fertilizer. It can be used as a protein
replacement for expensive fish meal. Locally it is hardly evidenced and present in media on this
concept. The current study aimed to evaluate the public perception on producing BSFL based
protein production by own generated bio-degradable waste using a BSFL based compost bin.
Further the research outcomes are looking forward for linking to protein production for local
livestock sector while addressing the overwhelming urban waste management consequence.
Random sampling technique was adopted to select 296 households and administrated a
structured questionnaire in Ratnapura district. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation
coefficient techniques were used to evaluate results. Average 0.956 kg of daily bio-degradable
waste was generated and 66.9% were practiced to collect their waste into a bin. 84.1% of them
were using public waste collection service and 90.5% of the amongst were practiced to separate
waste as per the local authority request. Among the respondents, 8.4% were aware on BSFL
based protein production mainly through newspapers (64%) and there were positive responses
(51.2%) for adapting to BSFL production and composting processes. People who disliked
producing BSFL, mainly, less experiences on this regard (47.22%). 64.2% and 61.85% people
were willing to use and purchase BSFL based compost bin, respectively. People, who rejected to
utilize BSFL based compost bin, stated mainly due to the less experiences and knowledge on this
regard. 33.8% were aware on BSFL based composting technology mostly through newspapers
(62%). Even though majorities were not aware on BSFL composting, 74.7% were willing to
initiate BSFL based compost production. Noteworthy, space unavailability was one of the main
reasons for their rejection of compost production. Negative but poor correlation indicated in between socio-economic status and adaptation to BSFL production technologies. Less popularity
of BSFL was highlighted and further public awareness is needed prior to commercialize of this
concept.
