East African Scientists Lead Global Effort for Insect Protein

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Addressing Global Food Challenges

Recent efforts led by East African scholars have yielded a groundbreaking global atlas focusing on edible insects, providing an in-depth exploration of their diversity and significance within food systems and sustainability frameworks. This endeavor arrives amidst mounting concerns driven by population growth and escalating demands for nutritious food.

Urgent Call for Sustainable Approaches

With traditional agricultural methods straining production, natural resources, and ecosystem services, particularly under the specter of climate change, there’s a pressing need to integrate edible insects into the global food paradigm. These insects, distinguished by their minimal environmental impact, efficient conversion rates, rapid growth, and nutritional richness, offer a promising avenue toward sustainability.

Addressing Knowledge Gaps

Despite their potential, substantial knowledge disparities persist regarding the diversity, distribution, and characteristics of edible insects across regions. To bridge these gaps, a collaborative effort among scholars from the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology in Nairobi, Kenya, the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the University of Pretoria in South Africa, and the Faculty of Science and Education at Busitema University in Tororo, Uganda, was launched to compile and analyze a fragmented database on edible insects.

Revealing Insights

Drawing from a diverse array of sources including literature, the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, iNaturalist, the Copernicus Land Service library, and FAOSTAT, scholars conducted an exhaustive analysis spanning country, regional, and continental levels. Their findings illuminated commonalities and variations in edible insect consumption practices, unveiling correlations with factors such as land cover, insect presence, population size, and income levels.

Cultural Shifts

While insect consumption is deeply ingrained in African, Asian, and Latin American cultures, a growing awareness of food sustainability is fueling interest in Europe. This study underscores the burgeoning significance of edible insects in shaping the trajectory of global food systems, emphasizing the need for proactive strategies to promote their integration for sustainable food production.

Outlook for the Future

Published in the esteemed journal Scientific Reports, this study marks a significant stride in comprehending and harnessing the potential of edible insects to tackle global food security and sustainability challenges.

Source: “Omuse, E.R., Tonnang, H.E.Z., Yusuf, A.A. et al. The global atlas of edible insects: analysis of diversity and commonality contributing to food systems and sustainability. Sci Rep 14, 5045 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-55603-7″