Assessing consumer perception on eggs and meat from commercial chicken fed on black soldier fly larvae compounded feed in Mukono Central Division, Mukono Municipality, and Kitayunjwa Subcounty, Kamuli District

Abstract

The rising cost and environmental impact of conventional protein sources like soybean and fish meal in poultry production have driven interest in alternatives such as Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL). This study assessed consumer perception toward eggs and meat from chickens fed on BSFL-compounded feed in Mukono Central Division and Kitayunjwa Subcounty, Kamuli District, The current study assess consumer awareness of protein feed ingredients in chicken feed, evaluates consumer attitudes toward replacing soybean/fish meal with BSFL and determine factors influencing willingness to pay for BSFL-fed chicken products. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 205 consumers using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze awareness, attitudes, and influencing factors. Awareness that commercial chicken feed contains protein sources was high (73.2%), though only 25.7% had heard of BSFL. Mukono residents had significantly higher awareness compared to Kamuli (80.5% vs. 60.5%; p = 0.002). Overall, attitudes were favorable: 67.5% were comfortable, and 34.5% were very likely to purchase BSFL-fed products. The main influencing factor on willingness to pay was nutritional value (49.8%), followed by price (19.5%) and food safety (18.5%). Over half (52.2%) had no concerns about BSFL- fed products, though 24.4% cited safety. Consumers are open to BSFL-fed poultry products, especially when benefits are clear and safety is assured. Increasing awareness, ensuring product quality, and building trust will be key to acceptance and market growth.