Director of Research and Partnerships International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya
In sub-Saharan Africa, more than 230 million people are chronically undernourished, and millions of people suffer from micronutrient deficiency and severe food insecurity. The rising costs of animal feed and fertilizer constrain crop and livestock production. Climate change and poor waste management also negatively affect livelihoods and food systems. Tackling these challenges require an innovative and resilient food system model and sustainable utilization of insects for food and feed offers promising solution. More than 550 insect species are consumed across Africa. Efficient mass rearing techniques have been developed by icipe and partners for various species and mass rearing technologies are being transferred to private sector partners. Several parasites and diseases however pose risk to insect mass production that must be effectively managed. Nutritional profiling for diverse species has demonstrated 25-80% crude protein (% dry matter). Replacement of conventional protein sources in feed with 25-50% black soldier fly (BSF)-based protein significantly increase weight of grower chicken and catfish; and inclusion of BSF-based protein in feed enhances growth of probiotic bacteria in broiler chicken. Recent research advances have demonstrated that important products such as phytosterols, omega-3 fatty acid and chitosan are available in insects and by-products from BSF rearing can be used as biofertilizer with 63-71% increase in crop yield compared to commercial organic fertilizer. There is an encouraging willingness to adopt and use insect-based protein feed among producers and feed millers and policy engagement is leading to development of regulatory standards for use of insects for food and feed in Africa.
