Some key elements on entomophagy in Africa: culture, gender and belief

Edible insects are a natural renewable food resource and, within the context of food security could be one solution for Africa. Although, entomophagy is still being practiced in Africa, there is a degree of rejection in certain milieu due to negative images associated with insects and poor awareness efforts. In order to understand the key elements that govern entomophagy in Africa, we conducted an online survey on edible insects in African countries and documented the importance of insects, cultures and believes associated to their use. We eventually looked at gender participation in entomophagy. Study showed that insect consumption can be restricted to one tribe, community or to a whole region. Distinct ethnic names of edible insects and their respective host plant presented in this study imply that entomophagy constitutes an important part of community livelihood and can be easily promoted. However, insects are mainly used as complementary food, and in very few occasions, as main food. They are also used for their medicinal, aphrodisiac and certain minor dietetic attributes. Insects are also incorporated into feeds for livestock and used as baits in fishing. A gender bias towards women and children was observed in edible insects' collection and consumption. Although entomophagy holds great future prospects in Africa, there is a need for integration of certain key elements in the global research and development business portfolios of edible insects.