Entomophagy in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Challenges and Ways Forward for the Edible Insect Sector
Journal Title: African Journal of Tropical Entomology Research - Year 2022, Vol 1, Issue 2
Abstract
An overview is given on recent developments in insects as food by reviewing the literature which has appeared during the last few years on edible insects in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). An outlook to the future is provided. Insects were among the foods consumed by early man and they are still vital components in the diets of DRC's populations. Social barriers are limiting their national acceptance, their consumption is intimately attached to location and culture, and their nutritional values are not known to many. Their consumption is associated with taboos and pessimisms, and are seen as something filthy, not something decent to be consumed. The aim of this review was to provide an overview on the challenges and ways forward for the edible insect sector in the DRC, and provide highlights on their national position in human nutrition. Disgust, food neophobia, lack of awareness, unavailability, and personality traits are the major barriers to edible-insect acceptance among consumers. Accepting edible-insects as food depends greatly on location, eating habit, prior experience, age, gender, and religion of a consumer. Local entomophagy advocates should intensify their efforts of accurately record TEK regarding the identification, collection, consumption, processing, management of edible insects and attract more consumers in the different regions of the country where insects are not yet consumed. Research collaborations between applied and social sciences are necessary to win the affection of new consumers and convinced their psych and emotion during the first introduction. Creating awareness on the nutritional, health, and environmental benefits of using insects (especially edible caterpillars) as a novel protein, processing to completely mask insect presence, and producing products with a close resemblance with meat will certainly promote national insect consumption.
Authors and Affiliations
Ombeni, J. B. , Mabossy-Mobouna, G. , Looli, B. L. , Latham, P. , Malaisse, F. , Monzenga, J-C. , & Munyuli, T. B. M.
Keywords
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- EP ID EP708165
- DOI https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6968717
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