Cultural significance of locusts, grasshoppers, and crickets in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Background In sub-Saharan Africa, there is a wealth of information about insects which is often only orally available. The purpose of the study was to remedy this shortcoming and make an overview of how orthopteran species are utilised, perceived and experienced in daily life across sub-Saharan Africa. Method Ethno-entomological information on Orthoptera in sub-Saharan Africa was collected by (1) interviews with more than 300 people from about 120 ethnic groups in 27 countries in the region; (2) library studies in Africa, London, Paris and Leiden; and (3) using web search engines. Results More than 126 species of crickets, grasshoppers, and locusts have been identified as edible in sub-Saharan Africa. Some toxic species, such as Zonocerus spp., are eaten by some groups who use processing and detoxifying techniques. The katydid Ruspolia differens is very popular as food in central and eastern Africa and is captured by indigenous and commercial methods. Vernacular names refer to their morphology, behaviour, characteristics or the beliefs associated with the insect. The aposematic pyrgomorphid species, such as Zonocerus spp., are often used as medicine. Children play with grasshoppers, by for instance herding them like cattle, and they consider cricket-hunting for food as a game. The doctrine of signatures probably plays a role, as crickets, because of their chirping, are used to improve the sound of a music instrument, or as medicine to treat earache. Locust plagues are considered a punishment which requires repentance, but also an opportunity to acquire food. Proverbs and stories relate to using the orthopterans as food or to the underground lives of the crickets. Possible explanations are given as to why so many practices, beliefs and stories about orthopterans are so widespread in sub-Saharan Africa. The relevance of recording such ethno-entomological practices is discussed. Conclusion Grasshoppers, locusts and crickets, although they may be agricultural pests, are very popular as food. They are also used in medicine, and as toys, and they play a role in religion, art and literature.

Edible Insects Consumption in Africa towards Environmental Health and Sustainable Food Systems: A Bibliometric Study

“…[ 65 ] reported high levels of phosphorus in edible insects that meet the adult’s dietary requirements. Besides grasshoppers contributing nutritionally, some communities in Chad and Sudan believe that they can cure many ailments such as high blood pressure, cancers of the stomach and jaundice [ 49 ], kidney disease and intestinal sickness [ 50 ], while in Zimbabwe, grasshopper powder is used to remedy bedwetting [ 49 ]. On the other hand, if they are not the main ingredient, grasshoppers when grided form an important traditional medicine ingredient [ 50 ].…”

“…The grasshopper belongs to the family of terrestrial insects [ 49 ] that remain a very important source of food in Sub-Saharan Africa [ 49 ]. In a study in Ref.…”

“…The culture around harvesting, preparation and consumption techniques has generally not been documented in most communities on the African continent; however, there is a strong existence of oral evidence [ 49 ]. In some instances, some communities have managed to maintain their edible insect practices (ranging from the way of harvesting, preparation and consumption), while on the other hand, some practices have been integrated due to migration and intermarriages between tribes, as well as modernisation.…”

“…For example, some people prefer consuming insects either fried, roasted or raw, and others may find eating insects not so palatable [ 51 ]. In Cameroon, one of the approaches used to harvest grasshoppers include shaking the dead leaves of the banana plant during the early times of the morning [ 49 ]. To prepare the grasshopper for consumption, the head and digestive parts are removed [ 49 ].…”

“…In Cameroon, one of the approaches used to harvest grasshoppers include shaking the dead leaves of the banana plant during the early times of the morning [ 49 ]. To prepare the grasshopper for consumption, the head and digestive parts are removed [ 49 ]. Furthermore, edible insects contain proteins, as their bodies are composed of 35% to 70% of dry matter [ 12 ], and most can be consumed after being boiled, roasted or fried, or even in their raw form [ 5 ].…”