Edible insects as a sustainable solution to food insecurity in conflict-ridden regions of Cameroon

Publication Type

Journal Article

Journal Name

Journal of Insects as Food and Feed

Publication Date

1-1-2025

Abstract

Edible insects are integral part of traditional Cameroonian dishes and delicacies valued for their nutrition and health/medicinal benefits. This study documents indigenous knowledge, practices, cultural relevance and the willingness to explore the untapped potential of insect farming in two conflict-ridden regions of Cameroon. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 793 randomly selected households in the Northwest (NW) and Southwest (SW) regions. Our results revealed widespread awareness on the use of insects as food in the NW (91%) and SW (84%) regions. The most consumed species were the long-horned grasshoppers (90%), termites (85%), palm weevil larvae (76%), and giant crickets (61%). Majority of the insects were collected from the wild through handpicking, soil digging, and light traps during seasonal outbreaks. Thus, insect consumption was mostly seasonal and the key motivations for practicing entomophagy were attributed to the nutritional properties and cultural significance. However, disgust, safety concerns, and religion were some of the barriers hindering insect consumption. Insects in the NW and SW regions of Cameroon are consumed in fried, roasted, boiled, grilled, or raw forms, depending on the species. Insects are believed to be remedies for excessive vomiting in infants, speech-related issues, weak bones, spleen inflammation, bedwetting, ringworm infections and stimulant for breast development. Despite the attributes of these insects, their farming in these regions remains virtually non-existent. However, 73 and 69% of the respondents in the NW and SW, respectively, expressed their willingness to farm insects for food and income if provided the technological know-how. The widespread consumption and extensive indigenous knowledge demonstrate the potential of insect farming innovations as a promising solution to reduce food insecurity and increase new job creation in the NW and SW regions, particularly among the internally displaced persons.

Keywords

essential nutrients, food security, indigenous knowledge, internally displaced persons, war-torn regions

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