How to turn collectors of edible insects into mini-livestock farmers: Multidimensional sustainability challenges to a thriving industry

Nischalke, Sarah; Wagler, I.; Tanga, Chrysantus M.; Allan, David G.; Phankaew, Chama; Ratompoarison, Christian; Razafindrakotomamonjy, Andrianantenaina; Kusia, Elizabeth Siago

doi:10.1016/j.gfs.2020.100376

Cited by 22 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Furthermore, edible insect-based diets present advantages including a low carbon footprint compared to beef, pork or poultry production [ 63 ] that results in a reduced need for land, a more rational use of energy and a reduced need for freshwater. According to [ 14 , 40 ], for a given 1kg of protein, edible insects require small pieces of land to be produced, compared to livestock production. Estimates indicate that 80% of GHGs emissions from agricultural activities are from livestock production, including methane (14%) from animal waste [ 14 ], the transportation of feed and clearance of land [ 64 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Matandirotya

Filho

Mahed

et al. 2022

IJERPH

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Africa is home to an estimated wild edible insect population of 1000 species that offer an opportunity for sustainable food systems while also improving food and nutrition security on the continent. Edible insect consumption has been part of African communities for a long time and forms part of their diets and cuisines, particularly within low-income households with limited resources. The purpose of our study was to investigate and review the contribution that edible insects can make towards the realisation of sustainable food systems, and environmental/planetary health including the fulfilment of Sustainable Development Goal number 2 (zero hunger). Our study applied a bibliometric analysis approach using VOS Viewer, a data mining software. The study established that the consumption of edible insects is still widespread across many African countries and therefore can be used as an avenue for improving environmental health and enhancing food systems on the continent through a reduction in meat-based diets. This, in the long term, will also reduce the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane from livestock production-related activities. Edible insects are also known to contain a high percentage nutrient content of proteins, fats and iron and, thus, can also play a vital role in reducing food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly within low-income households. Due to the existence of a high number of edible insect species on the continent, communities in Africa can easily access sources that can further be preserved using various indigenous techniques while also having minimal impact on the environment. In addition, being a source of nutritious food, edible insects can also be a source of establishing sustainable livelihoods, as well as being able to be commercialised, thus further creating employment opportunities and economic growth. Some of the notable edible insects in abundance on the continent include termites, ants, crickets and caterpillars. Our study recommends that Africa should commercialise edible insect production, in addition to preservation processing that leads to the eradication of perennial food insecurity and malnutrition and improves environmental health, as well as developing sustainable food systems. We also further recommend the establishment of food safety guidelines on edible insects as most African countries do not have such a plan in place currently.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Matandirotya

Filho

Mahed

et al. 2022

IJERPH

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“…If the demand for a given species still imperils the natural populations, steps to farm the species should be undertaken, turning traditional insect hunters and gatherers into minilivestock farmers, rearing both local and new species (Nischalke et al, 2020).…”

Section: Freedom From Fear and Distressmentioning

confidence: 99%

Review: Insects—A Source of Safe and Sustainable Food?— “Jein” (Yes and No)

Grabowski¹,

Abdulmawjood²,

Acheuk³

et al. 2022

Front. Sustain. Food Syst.

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For almost a decade, edible insects have become promoted on a wider basis as one way to combat world hunger and malnourishment, although attempts to do so have a longer history. Contemporary researchers and consumers, particularly those without an entomophagous background, have been rising safety and sustainability concerns. The present contribution seeks a substantiated answer to the question posed above. The possible answer consists of different factors that have been taken into consideration. First, the species and its life cycle. It is mandatory to realize that what is labeled as “edible insects” stands for more than 2,140 animal species, not counting other edible, non-crustacean arthropods. Their life cycles are as diverse as the ecological niches these animals can fill and last between some days to several years and many of them may—or may not—be reproduced in the different farming systems. Second, the level of knowledge concerning the food use of a given species is important, be it traditional, newly created by research, or a combination of both. Third, the existence of a traditional method of making the use of the insect safe and sustainable, ideally from both the traditional and the modern points of view. Fourth, the degree of effectiveness of these measures despite globalization changes in the food-supplying network. Fifth, farming conditions, particularly housing, feeding (type, composition, and contaminants), animal health and animal welfare. Sixth, processing, transport, and storage conditions of both traditional and novel insect-based foodstuffs, and seventh, consumer awareness and acceptance of these products. These main variables create a complex web of possibilities, just as with other foodstuffs that are either harvested from the wild or farmed. In this way, food safety may be reached when proper hygiene protocols are observed (which usually include heating steps) and the animals do not contain chemical residues or environment contaminants. A varying degree of sustainability can be achieved if the aforementioned variables are heeded. Hence, the question if insects can be safe and sustainable can be answered with “jein,” a German portmanteau word joining “yes” (“ja”) and “no” (“nein”).

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“…2) and make early informative decisions, positively impacting animal care (Goldansaz et al, 2017). While in the past edible insects were harvested in the wild, modern insect farming techniques have now been developed and are promoted on an industrial scale (Kok, 2021;Nischalke et al, 2020). Evidently, macro-livestock (cows, sheep, goats, and pigs) farming techniques could in turn be adapted for mini-livestock, such as edible insects (DeFoliart, 1995), providing essential information to the rearing companies regarding their management and leading to significant financial and sustainable outcomes.…”

Section: Entometabolomics For the Safety Of Edible Insectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Edible insects in the metabolomics era. First steps towards the implementation of entometabolomics in food systems

Poma

Cuykx

Silva

et al. 2022

Trends in Food Science & Technology

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How to turn collectors of edible insects into mini-livestock farmers: Multidimensional sustainability challenges to a thriving industry

Cited by 22 publications

References 4 publications

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

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

Review: Insects—A Source of Safe and Sustainable Food?— “Jein” (Yes and No)

Edible insects in the metabolomics era. First steps towards the implementation of entometabolomics in food systems

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