Smallholder farmers’ knowledge and willingness to pay for insect-based feeds in Kenya

Abstract

Edible insects are increasingly being considered as sustainable alternatives to fish and soybean meals in animal feed because of their high nutritional quality and environmental benefits. However, successful introduction of a new product to the market depends on the target user's acceptance. Thus, evaluating the potential demand of insect-based feeds would provide relevant information for policy development. The present study assessed farmers' knowledge on edible insects as feed, their acceptance of integrating insect meals in animal feeds and willingness to pay (WTP) for insect-based feed (IBF) using a contingent valuation method. A household survey was conducted among 957 randomly selected farmers including: 409 poultry, 241 fish and 307 pig farmers in four counties in Kenya. Results of the study reveal that over 70 and 80% of poultry and fish farmers, respectively, are aware that insects can be used as a feed ingredient. In addition, over 60 and 75% of poultry and fish farmers, respectively, consider insects as a good component of feed. Poultry, pig and fish farmers interviewed accepted and showed willingness to pay for IBF. Regression analysis indicated that age, gender, education, marital status, distance to feed trader, awareness of insects as feed, attitude towards insects, acceptance of insect species, availability of agricultural inputs, use of commercial feeds, availability of training and market information had a significant influence on the WTP for IBF. Therefore, increased extension services to educate famers on the nutritional benefits of insect meals in animal feeds and existing market opportunities are expected to improve farmers' attitude towards utilization and consequently enhance WTP for IBF, which in return would significantly reduce the existing pressure on conventional fishmeal feed resources. Our findings provide the first insights into the market opportunities of including insect meals in the animal feed value chain in Kenya.

Farmers’ Perceptions of Commercial Insect-Based Feed for Sustainable Livestock Production in Kenya

“…This implies that awareness creation and dissemination is important in promoting use of IBF among chicken farmers in Kenya. Our findings are supported by [30,49] who reported that prior exposure to a particular insect positively contributed to farmers' willingness to use IBF. Similarly, the performance aspects of IBF were perceived to be more important by farmers who belonged to groups than those who were not members of any group.…”

“…Following [22], this study defines perception as the cognitive interpretation and understanding of the comparative characteristics of insect proteins in livestock feeds over conventional fishmeal and soybean protein. We build on the work of [30] who described the attitudes and knowledge of livestock farmers towards use of insects as a feed alternative in Kenya. This study examines the factors that can support behavioral change of livestock farmers with respect to improved and cost-effective insect-based feeds by synthesizing evidence collected from chicken farmers in Kiambu County, Kenya.…”

Effect of Insect Live Larvae as Environmental Enrichment on Poultry Gut Health: Gut Mucin Composition, Microbiota and Local Immune Response Evaluation

“…Insects are considered a valuable and innovative alternative to fish and soybean meals in animal nutrition due to their high content of high-quality protein, fat, minerals, vitamins and fibre [1]. In particular, the most promising species are represented by the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, HI) and the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor, TM), thanks to their easy rearing systems and their ability to consume a wide range of organic side streams [2].…”

South-south inspiration to connect SDG2 and SDG16 in former conflict areas : Promoting sustainable livelihoods of ex-insurgents in Colombia by insect farming

“…On the other hand, they assessed the effects of replacing fishmeal as feed component by BSF meal on pig and poultry production which resulted in good livestock performance and, because of lower costs of BSF meal as compared to fishmeal, in a better return on investment (Chia et al, 2020a;Chia et al, 2018a;Chia et al, 2019a;Chia et al, 2020b;Chia et al, 2018b;Chia et al, 2019b;Onsongo et al, 2018). They determined that, as long as the fly larvae can be reared on substrates that are a true waste stream, the production of fly larvae as feed will not interfere with food production and will provide a sustainable alternative for fishmeal.…”