Survey of edible insect consumption in south-eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Edible insect consumption called entomophagy is very important in ensuring food security especially in a developing country like Nigeria, but promotion of entomophagy after a long period of adoption of western diets demands a comprehensive inventory of edible insect consumption in the past. At present, there is little or no repository of document with comprehensive information on edible insects consumed in the south eastern states of Nigeria and methods of use is also scarce in literature. It becomes imperative to assess edible insect consumption in the region as a background for promotion of entomophagy in the area. The study used questionnaires and oral interviews to obtain information on types of edible insects consumed, season of harvest, cooking methods, local dishes with edible insects, people’s reaction to edible insect consumption, challenges of entomophagy business and ethno-cultural beliefs on edible insect consumption. Of the 2,000 individuals sampled, 56.4% were males, 43.6% females, with 22.4% children, 19.6% teenagers, 24.2% young adults, 16.6% older adults and 17.2% aged above 60 years of age. The result showed that seventeen insect species belonging to six orders were consumed and harvesting is mainly during the rains, though some recorded year round availability. Restricted seasonal availability and high collecting costs are among the reported barriers to edible insect consumption The most common cooking methods documented in the study were frying or roasting. Six traditional dishes were found to include edible insects. Four ethno-cultural beliefs on some edible insects were also documented. Edible insect farming is therefore recommended as a strategy to bridge the gap between insect protein supply and demand in the region.

Determinants of edible insects consumption level in Kogi State, Nigeria

“…This finding corroborates the reports of Ebenebe et al (2015), from the South-Eastern Nigeria; that insects eating were greatly associated with poverty as the rich/elites dropped the habits for the poor and the so called illiterates in the rural communities.…”

“…For instance, FAO (2008) as cited in Ebenebe and Okpoko (2015) recommended consumption of 34g of animal protein per person per day for normal growth and development. However, animal protein consumption in Nigeria stands averagely at 7-10g/person/day as a result of high poverty level and ignorance (Ebenebe and Okpoko, 2015).…”

“…For instance, FAO (2008) as cited in Ebenebe and Okpoko (2015) recommended consumption of 34g of animal protein per person per day for normal growth and development. However, animal protein consumption in Nigeria stands averagely at 7-10g/person/day as a result of high poverty level and ignorance (Ebenebe and Okpoko, 2015). While meat appears to be unavailable and un-affordable by many Nigerians because of the high poverty level in the country, research evidences have also consistently raised health issues associated with meat consumption (Huis, 2012).…”

Edible Insects Processing: Traditional and Innovative Technologies

“…There are several traditional edible insect cooking techniques, including steaming, roasting, smoking, frying, stewing, and curing (see Figure 2; Ebenebe et al, 2015;Graboswski & Klein, 2017;Lautenshläger et al, 2016;Nonaka, 2009;Obopile & Seeletso, 2013;Ramos-Rostro et al, 2016;Shockley, Lesnik, Allen, & Muñoz, 2018). These techniques are preceded by blanching to reduce foodborne microorganism counts and to inactivate enzymes (Marshall, Dickson, & Nguyen, 2016).…”

Protein intake adequacy among Nigerian infants, children, adolescents and women and protein quality of commonly consumed foods

“…Previous Nigerian studies have suggested affordable and available protein-rich foods such as rabbit meat (55) , insects (56) , wild plant species (57) , indigenous leafy vegetables (12) and goat milk (58) . Some studies have already been conducted on determinants (for example, socio-economic factors, education, infections) of protein intake and PEM, and it is advised to extend Table 11.…”