How is entomophagy beneficial to humans?
Eating insects in AfricaIt has long been a challenge to achieve food security in the developing world. In many African countries malnutrition hinders socio-economic development. In Zimbabwe, like many African countries, insects are abundant and accessible, with entomophagy prevalent in both urban and rural communities. Insects as food may present a resolution to issues of malnutrition and lacking food security. It has also been found that drying insects prolongs shelf life, thus presenting a long-term food supply (Dube et al. 2013).
Katayama et al. (2008) studied the concept of space agriculture with the silkworm (Bombyx mori), the hawkmoth (Agrius convolvuli), the drugstore beetle (Stegobium paniceum), and the termite (Macrotermes sub hyalinus). The insects can be used to process waste, recycle materials and as pollinators in agro-ecosystems in space. On top of this, entomophagy may provide solutions to meeting nutritional requirements in space. These systems can be used as models to improve management strategies of the biosphere.
Land clearing for agriculture has degraded the environment, and along with direct disturbance, has led to the emergence of insect pests and consequently, pesticides. Pests are species which are favoured in an agricultural ecosystem. In Mexico, the edible corn field grasshopper (Sphenarium purpurascens) is controlled by capture and then consumption. This also provides employment with a reported profit of approximately US$3000 per family. This is a frequent practice in developing countries where entomophagy is common (Premalatha et al. 2011). With limited research, however, there are possible risks associated with pest harvesting, as discussed in the Disadvantages section.
Lastly, rearing insects as ‘minilivestock’, as an alternative to traditional livestock, may help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Current agricultural industry makes a substantial contribution to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Oonincx et al. (2010) reared five insect species to compare emissions against that of conventional livestock. Both greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions were considerably lower than that reported for pigs. More so, average relative daily growth rate was higher for insects, while carbon dioxide production was lower. All factors suggest a positive environmental impact (Oonincx et al. 2010).
Katayama et al. (2008) studied the concept of space agriculture with the silkworm (Bombyx mori), the hawkmoth (Agrius convolvuli), the drugstore beetle (Stegobium paniceum), and the termite (Macrotermes sub hyalinus). The insects can be used to process waste, recycle materials and as pollinators in agro-ecosystems in space. On top of this, entomophagy may provide solutions to meeting nutritional requirements in space. These systems can be used as models to improve management strategies of the biosphere.
Land clearing for agriculture has degraded the environment, and along with direct disturbance, has led to the emergence of insect pests and consequently, pesticides. Pests are species which are favoured in an agricultural ecosystem. In Mexico, the edible corn field grasshopper (Sphenarium purpurascens) is controlled by capture and then consumption. This also provides employment with a reported profit of approximately US$3000 per family. This is a frequent practice in developing countries where entomophagy is common (Premalatha et al. 2011). With limited research, however, there are possible risks associated with pest harvesting, as discussed in the Disadvantages section.
Lastly, rearing insects as ‘minilivestock’, as an alternative to traditional livestock, may help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Current agricultural industry makes a substantial contribution to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Oonincx et al. (2010) reared five insect species to compare emissions against that of conventional livestock. Both greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions were considerably lower than that reported for pigs. More so, average relative daily growth rate was higher for insects, while carbon dioxide production was lower. All factors suggest a positive environmental impact (Oonincx et al. 2010).
“Insects can feed the world. Cows and pigs are the SUV's; bugs are the bicycles.”
David Gracer, entomophagist (Nejame 2008)