Global black soldier fly bioconversion for organic waste and climate change mitigation: A systematic review

Stephen Bishibura Erick; Twalibu Bella; Bonamax Mbasa

doi:10.51867/scimundi.6.1.16

Authors

Stephen Bishibura Erick Institute of Rural Development Planning, Tanzania https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1400-9734
Twalibu Bella Institute of Rural Development Planning, Tanzania https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6205-3622
Bonamax Mbasa Institute of Rural Development Planning, Tanzania https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8072-6408

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51867/scimundi.6.1.16

Keywords:

Black Soldier Fly, Circular Bioeconomy, Life Cycle Assessment, Organic Waste Bioconversion, Systematic Review

Abstract

Organic waste management represents a systemic sustainability challenge within linear production–consumption regimes. Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) bioconversion has emerged as a bio-based pathway capable of simultaneously reducing waste volumes and generating value-added outputs. This systematic review synthesizes 156 studies (2010–2025) using PRISMA-guided methods and integrates meta-analysis with thematic analysis. Results indicate significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to landfilling, composting, and incineration (Hedges’ g = −2.84; 95% CI: −3.21 to −2.47), despite high heterogeneity (I² = 78.4%). Mean waste reduction reached 82.3%, with strong scale effects in economic performance. Regulatory fragmentation remains a structural constraint. Situated within circular economy and industrial ecology frameworks, these findings suggest that BSF systems function as context-dependent mechanisms for material recirculation and bio-based substitution. Their contribution to circular bioeconomy transitions depends on regulatory harmonization, methodological standardization, and locally embedded implementation strategies.

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References

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