Regenerative edible insects for food, feed, and sustainable livelihoods in Nigeria: Consumption, potential and prospects
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Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Future Foods
Abstract
Edible insects are imperative as food, feed, and other products for industries, but commercial farming and utilization of insects as food, feed and industries is rare in Nigeria. However, consumption of insects in Nigeria is
longstanding and increasingly becoming popular and receiving more attention because of their potential as alternatives to animal protein and a means of livelihood to mitigate hunger and poverty. We harnessed academic
and grey literature and personal communications to obtain a wholesome and concise review of the edible insects
in Nigeria. This process revealed 13 edible insect species consumed amongst various tribes and indigenous people
in the country. We found that the consumption of insects in Nigeria is ubiquitous but more popular and generally
accepted in southern Nigeria than in the northern part of the country. However, farming insects for food and feed
is seldom because edible insects are harvested from wild populations. Insights into the challenges of farming
edible insects in Nigeria revealed that funding, seasonality, technical know-how or expertise are at the forefront.
while poor extension services, inadequate processing technologies, and not having in place strategies for their
upscaling is also implicated. We recommend mutualistic cooperation between key stakeholders along the
agricultural value chain in Nigeria, such as the government, investors, and others that will foster partnerships
with established industries in East Africa, especially Kenya and Uganda, where farming insects for food, feed, and
livelihoods are thriving.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Food security, Hunger, Underutilized foods, Future outcome