Inventory reveals wide biodiversity of edible insects in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Ishara, Jackson; Ayagirwe, Rodrigue Basengere Balthazar; Katcho, Karume; Mushagalusa, Gustave Nachigera; Bugeme, Marcellin; Niassy, Saliou; Udomkun, Patchimaporn; Kinyuru, John

doi:10.1038/s41598-022-05607-y

Cited by 18 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 52 publications

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“…While emerging research has demonstrated the health benefits of edible insects, including antimicrobial, nutritional, and therapeutic properties [ 29 ], few studies have evaluated implementation of an edible insects programs among populations vulnerable to malnutrition. Most research advocating for edible insect consumption are observational studies on traditional practices [ 30 ], including in Madagascar [ 31 ], the Democratic Republic of Congo [ 32 ], and Thailand [ 33 ], or acceptability studies in Western countries without traditions of edible insects [ 34 ]. Acceptability studies in Liberia and Ghana have shown important stakeholders, including caregivers, patients, community leaders, and healthcare professionals, to have favorable opinions towards palm weevil larvae farming as a source of nutrition [ 19 , 24 , 35 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sustainable palm weevil farming as nutrition supplementation at maternity waiting homes in Liberia

et al. 2022

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Background Food insecurity is a global health challenge exacerbated by COVID-19. In Liberia, two-thirds of pregnant women are anemic, one-third of children are stunted, and 70% of households experienced food insecurity due to COVID-19. Edible insects are a nutritious, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective dietary supplement used throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Rearing palm weevil insects at maternity waiting homes (MWHs)—residential dwellings near hospitals where pregnant women await childbirth and receive postpartum services—could serve as a nutritious supplement for expectant mothers in Liberia and provide an income generating activity for MWHs. Methods Following a one-day training, sixteen participants established palm weevil rearing sites at four MWHs in Liberia. Pre- and post-knowledge scores were assessed immediately prior to and following training. Pre-and post-knowledge scores were analyzed using paired t-test. Participants tracked two palm weevil rearing cycles (four months), using harvest amounts, turnover, barriers to implementation, and income generated as metrics. The number of women attending MWHs was recorded throughout the study period (July-December 2020). Results Sixteen participants from four MWHs completed the training and two rearing cycles (four months) successfully. All participants showed statistically significant increases in knowledge scores following the one-day workshop with a pre-test score of 2.31 and post-test score of 7.75 out of 10 (p < 0.001). Over the 6-month study, 217 women stayed in four MWHs. Larval production from the various rearing centers ranged from 120 to 721 larvae, with all four sites producing enough palm weevil to sustain MWH residents who desired to consume the insects. One site successfully commercialized its harvest to sell approximately 50% for a total of 2,000 LD (13 USD) in income. Three of the four sites continued edible insect production beyond the four-month study period. Conclusions An edible insect project using palm weevil larva is one promising intervention as a nutrition supplement for expectant mothers at pre-established MWHs in rural Liberia. Edible insect rearing also has potential as an income generating activity for MWHs. Future studies should focus on addressing common barriers of remote implementation and metric tracking during the COVID-19 pandemic and reinforcing infrastructure to protect larvae rearing supplies.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sustainable palm weevil farming as nutrition supplementation at maternity waiting homes in Liberia

et al. 2022

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“…Anthropo-entomophagy practices have been increasingly documented worldwide [9,14,[28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35] but less so in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) despite its wide edible insect diversity. A recent study conducted in South-Kivu, in the Fizi, Kabare, Mwenga, and Walungu territories, recorded 23 edible insects [11], but due to ecological, cultural, and dietary habit differences, the results from these territories cannot be extrapolated to Kalehe and Idjwi consumers. There is a need for in-depth research on the diversity of edible insects, the factor influencing their preferences, their seasonal availability, harvesting techniques, and processing techniques for sustainable use, as understanding edible insects' diversity and value chain is critical in promoting edible insects, especially in a context of climate change and ecosystem deforestation, which is currently affecting DRC.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These edible insects are generally consumed as eggs, larvae, pupae, adults, or nymphs [11,12], and most of them are collected from nature [13]. Several species including Imbrasia oyemensis (caterpillar) are consumed as both larvae and pupae [11], and Apis millifera (honey bee) as eggs, larvae, and pupae [12]. According to Kelemu [14], Lepidoptera (caterpillars) and Hymenoptera are consumed as adults and larvae, while the orders Orthoptera and Hemiptera are consumed as adults.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Edible insect biodiversity and anthropo-entomophagy practices in Kalehe and Idjwi territories, D.R. Congo

Ishara

Cokola

Buzera

et al. 2023

J Ethnobiology Ethnomedicine

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Background Located in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (South-Kivu), Kalehe and Idjwi are two relatively unexplored territories with little to no research on edible insects even though anthropo-entomophagy practice is widespread. This study therefore aimed at exploring the biodiversity, perception, consumption, availability, host plants, harvesting techniques, and processing techniques of edible insects. Methods Data were collected through a field survey using three techniques, namely structured interviews, direct observations, and insect collection and taxonomy. A total of 260 respondents, 130 in each territory, were interviewed. The field survey focused on inventorying commonly edible insects as well as recording consumer preferences, preference factors, seasonal availability, host plants, harvesting techniques, and processing and preservation methods. Samples for taxonomic characterization were preserved in 70% alcohol. Results Nine edible insects, namely Ruspolia differens Serville 1838, Gryllotalpa Africana Palisot de Beauvois 1805, Locusta migratoria Linnaeus 1758, Macrotermes subhyalinus Rambur 1842, Gnathocera trivittata Swederus 1787, Rhynchophorus phoenicis Fabricius 1801, Vespula spp. Linnaeus 1758, Apis mellifera Linnaeus 1758, and Imbrasia oyemensis Rougeot 1955, were recorded as being consumed either as larvae, pupae, and adults. Ruspolia differens and M. subhyalinus were reported as the most preferred by consumers in the studied territories. A scatter plot of matrices and Pearson's correlations showed a negative correlation between preference based on taste, size, and shape, as well as perceived nutritional value. Their seasonal availability differs from one species to another and correlated with host plants availability. Harvesting techniques and processing and preservation methods depend on species, local knowledge, and practices. Conclusion The huge edible insect diversity observed in Kalehe and Idjwi is evidence of anthropo-entomophagy practices in the area. In addition to being an important delicacy and traditional foods, edible insects can contribute to food, environmental, and financial security through local business opportunities. Households can rely on edible insects to meet their nutritional needs instead of conventional livestock. Indigenous practices and technologies used for harvesting, processing, and preserving edible insects must be improved to meet international standards to increase the market and capitalize on the economic potential of edible insects.

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“…Edible insects remain a sustainable source of income for low-income households across Africa [ 2 , 28 ], with most of the harvesting [ 29 ] and preparation for consumption being conducted by women [ 30 ], for example, the Gonimbrasia belina (mopane worms) ( Figure 1 ). Across southern Africa, the mopane worms trade is estimated to be valued at USD 85 million [ 19 ], with the majority of trading being conducted by women.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

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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Inventory reveals wide biodiversity of edible insects in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Cited by 18 publications

References 52 publications

Sustainable palm weevil farming as nutrition supplementation at maternity waiting homes in Liberia

Sustainable palm weevil farming as nutrition supplementation at maternity waiting homes in Liberia

Edible insect biodiversity and anthropo-entomophagy practices in Kalehe and Idjwi territories, D.R. Congo

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

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