The potential of using wild edible animals as alternative food sources among food-insecure areas in Indonesia

Abstract

<jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Purpose</jats:title><jats:p>This study aims to assess the household food security status and explore the potency of wild edible animals as a food source in the food insecurity–prone area of Bangkalan district, Madura, Indonesia.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Approach/methodology/design</jats:title><jats:p>This cross-sectional quantitative study used a mixed-method approach. A total of 66 participants were purposively recruited. Household food security was assessed using the short version of the U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module (US-HFSSM). A list of available wild edible animals was obtained from each interview using a structured questionnaire. For the qualitative study, an in-depth interview was conducted among key informants at subvillage level.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Findings</jats:title><jats:p>We found that 33.4 percent of households were food insecure. At least 18 kinds of wild edible animal protein consumed by the respondents were identified in the study area, which consisted of five kinds of insects, five kinds of fish, three types of birds, and two mammals. Most of the wild edible animals were rich in protein.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Originality/value</jats:title><jats:p>Wild edible animals can be promoted to support household food security. Villagers did not usually consider consuming wild edible animals as a normal practice as there were concerns about the taste and safety of eating wild animal foods. Methods of processing and cooking foods to improve the taste and safety aspects need to be explored. The information obtained from this study adds more evidence related to the potential of edible wild animals as a food alternative for households in food-insecure areas.</jats:p></jats:sec>

Beliefs in the Dietary Benefits of Water Monitor, Varanus salvator Meat in Western Java, Indonesia

“…A study in the rural areas in Central Java reported the use of Varanus sp. as medicinal animal, especially to cure for asthma (Husain and Wahidah, 2019); whereas on Madura Island near Java, consumption of monitor lizard by local residents was reported for coping with food scarcity (Adi et al, 2020). These reports are congruent with results of our internet search on food stalls and resellers distributing water monitor meat and other products (Table 1).…”

Drivers of insect consumption across human populations

“…In both of these places, a majority of the edible insect species consumed by local groups were available during the spring and summer months, when agricultural productivity is at its lowest. The same pattern of insect consumption during seasons of crop scarcity has been observed across multiple agricultural populations in sub‐Saharan Africa 68,69 and Indonesia, 70 two regions where people continue to experience high levels of malnutrition. On the other hand, agriculture could affect entomophagy by introducing competing species that can more efficiently meet a group's nutritional demands.…”

Transmission of Viruses from Wild Animals to Humans, a Solution by Applying Syari’ah Rules and Regulations toward Animals

“…These differences are seen in some countries or groups eating wild foods. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) (1999) defines wild foods as plants, such as roots and tubers, leaves, vegetables, and fruits, and animals, such as insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, which are not cultivated or reared, underutilised, and gathered for food (Adi et al, 2020). Wild foods have attracted attention worldwide and remain popular due to the advent of COVID-19.…”