Commercialization of <i>Ruspolia nitidula</i> (nsenene grasshoppers) in Central Uganda

Abstract

Trade in Ruspolia nitidula commonly known as grasshopper and locally known, as Nsenene is becoming a valuable source of income for many poor people in central Uganda, which although modest in terms of monetary value, could nonetheless form a significant proportion of their annual income. Though eaten by a large proportion of the population in the central Uganda, there is much less documented information on its commercialization and income potential. A study was, therefore, conducted to document consumers' perceptions about eating these R. nitidula; marketing chain, market locations, and the people trading in R. nitidula; the average price, income generated and the challenges and opportunities for marketing it in central Uganda. Two divisions (Central and Kawempe) of Kampala City and one sub-county (Nyendo-Ssenyange) of Masaka district with high concentration of R. nitidula business were surveyed. Seventy R. nitidula traders and 70 consumers were interviewed. Data were edited, coded, entered and analyzed using Statistical Packake for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results show that R. nitidula is a delicacy and cultural food eaten by the majority of the people in central Uganda. The average retail price per kilogram of R. nitidula was Uganda shillings 5,000 (≈ US $2.80), which compares favourably with that of goat meat, which retails at approximately Uganda shillings 4,000 (≈ US $2.13) per kilogram in Kampala districts. The trade was dominated by men and characterized by wholesalers who buy R. nitidula from collectors and sell to retailers. The average price per kilogram of R. nitidula increases from collectors to wholesale traders and to retailers. Collectors charged the lowest price although their profit margins remained the highest. Several barriers, such as high market dues, hamper the trade in R. nitidula. There is a need to streamline the trade in R. nitidula so as to protect traders from high taxation by the market administrators. The possibility of adding value to the R. nitidula should be investigated because it is mainly being sold in fresh form and yet it has a short shelf life.

African edible insects for food and feed: inventory, diversity, commonalities and contribution to food security

“…Larvae and pupae collection, usually carried out by women, was reported to provide cash income for basic expenditure for food, farming inputs and education (Agea et al, 2008;Hope et al, 2009). Larvae and pupae collection, usually carried out by women, was reported to provide cash income for basic expenditure for food, farming inputs and education (Agea et al, 2008;Hope et al, 2009).…”

“…It is also referred to as 'nsenene' and is the most consumed grasshopper in Uganda, parts of western Kenya and Tanzania (Agea et al, 2008;Kinyuru et al, 2010;Matojo and Yarro, 2013). Zonocerus variegatus (Linnaeus) is consumed, not only in Central Africa (Kekeunou et al, 2006) but also in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria (Banjo et al, 2006;Solomon et al, 2008), in the Upper Guinean forests of West Africa in Guinea, Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana (Table 1).…”

“…Diets have changed considerably over the last few decades and consumers' food habits are open to change (Kearney, 2010). The commercialisation of edible insects provides significant income to many households in Africa Agea et al, 2008;Balinga et al, 2004;Van Huis et al, 2013;Yen, 2010). Therefore, research on behavioural changes should be given a priority while assessing the role of edible insects as food and feed alternatives.…”

The environmental sustainability of insects as food and feed. A review

“…Increased deforestation, agricultural intensification (e.g., pesticide use), and environmental pollution may threaten the resource, while higher demand and increased prices could lead to overexploitation (Ramos-Elorduy 2006). The prices of edible insects, e.g., edible grasshoppers (Agea et al 2008) and palm weevils (Ayemele et al 2016), are often higher than those for meat products.…”

Nutritional composition, quality, and shelf stability of processed Ruspolia nitidula (edible grasshoppers)

“…Processed R. nitidula are either consumed at home or commercially traded on a small scale mainly in the streets of Kampala city and other towns such as Masaka (Ageya et al. ). While small‐scale processing of grasshoppers in Uganda increases dietary diversity and nutrient intake and also contributes to incomes (Capinera ; Fellows ), it preserves the R. nitidula for only about 24 h.…”