The World Food Prize Foundation has announced the recipient of the 2024 Norman E. Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application.

Dennis Beesigamukama, a postdoctoral fellow at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology in Nairobi, Kenya, will receive the award for his work in developing innovative, low-cost technologies that recycle organic waste into nutrient-rich organic fertilizers, significantly affecting agricultural practices across East Africa.

Beesigamukama was named the recipient during the Africa Food Systems Forum in Rwanda.

Growing up in a farming family in southwestern Uganda, Beesigamukama witnessed the challenges of soil degradation, the release said.

While completing his doctorate at Kenyatta University, he conducted research at the insect center that led to the development of a novel method using black soldier fly larvae to convert organic waste into fertilizer. This approach reduces composting time from six months to five weeks.

“Receiving the prestigious Norman Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application makes me totally thrilled and grateful,” Beesigamukama said in a news release. “It has refueled my energy in harnessing the immense power of insects, the small creatures with big impact, capable of breathing fresh life into degraded soils and sustainably transforming agriculture for improved food security while ensuring climate resilience and One Health.”

His work has provided over 100,000 farmers with fertilizer that supports increased crop yields and improved food security and led to the creation of pest- and disease-resistant fertilizers.

He has also trained over 2,300 organic fertilizer manufacturers and traders and collaborated with the African Union to standardize insect-based fertilizers.

“Dennis Beesigamukama’s work exemplifies the spirit of Dr. Norman Borlaug’s legacy,” said Mashal Husain, chief operating officer at the World Food Prize Foundation, in a prepared statement. “His innovative approach to transforming waste into valuable resources and his dedication to improving the livelihoods of farmers across East Africa make him a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious award.”

Borlaug founded the World Food Prize in 1986. A Cresco, Iowa, native, Borlaug won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 for his work to improve the world’s food supply. He died in 2009.

Beesigamukama will receive the award during the 2024 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue in Des Moines held from Oct. 29-31. Registration information for the event is available here.