Sericulture Practices, Challenges, and Future Prospects, with a Focus in Africa

Publication Type

Journal Article

Journal Name

Fundamentals of Entomology A Faculty Manual

Publication Date

1-1-2026

Abstract

Sericulture is the art of rearing of silkworms for silk production and other byproducts like protein-rich feed from silkworm pupae and organic fertilizer from silkworm frass. Bombyx mori is the most widely domesticated silkworm globally; however, Eri silkworm (Samia ricini) is gaining popularity due to its properties such as disease and drought tolerance. Originating in China, sericulture spread globally, including Africa, where it holds economic and social significance as a source of employment and income. However, despite favorable climatic conditions, sericulture remains underdeveloped in Africa. African countries like Kenya, Uganda, Madagascar, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Nigeria, and Ghana practice it, but challenges such as inadequate training, poor infrastructure, market access issues, limited funding, and silkworm diseases hinder expansion. This book chapter explores the following topics: history of sericulture, requirements for starting sericulture, silkworm rearing and developmental cycle, economic potential, domesticated and wild silkworms, post-processing processes, pests, and diseases, as well as its potential and challenges in Africa.

Keywords

Biodiversity conservation, Bombyx mori, Climate resilience, Eri silkworm, Frass fertilizer, Insect protein, Silk production, Silkworm diseases, Sustainable livelihoods, Wild silkworms

ISBN

[9789819573899, 9789819573905]

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