Entomophagy

Question 1

Why are insects not incorporated into the Western diet?

Answer 1

1. Emotions: digust
2. Cultural norms
3. Generally negative attitudes towards insects

Question 2

But…what about eating insects?

Answer 2

People have been eating insects around the world for generations as they know when to harvest insects and what insects to harvest

Question 3

Why are insects more common in the tropics?

Answer 3

1. Insects tend to be larger in the tropics, facilitating harvest
2. Insects in the tropics often congregate in significant numbers, so it is easier to collect large quantities during a single harvest
3. A variety of insects are available year around
4. For many species, harvests are predictable
5. For many species, the location is predictable (ex. termite mounds, and stems of bamboo)

Question 4

What are some health benefits to eating insects?

Answer 4

1. Insects are healthy nutrititous alternatives to mainstream staples such as chicken, pork, beef, and ocean caught fish
2. Many insects are rich in protein and good fats and high in calcium, iron, and zinc
3. Insects already form a traditional part of many regional and national dishes

Question 5

What are some environmental benefits to eating insects?

Answer 5

1. Insects promoted as food emit considerably fewer greenhouse gases than most livestock (ex. methane which is only promoted by a few insect species)
2. Insect rearing not necessarily a land-based activity and does not require land clearing to expand production. Feed is the major requirement for land
3. The ammonia emissions associated with insect rearing are also far lower than those linked to conventional livestock, such as pigs
4. Because they are cold blooded, insects are very efficient at converting feed to protein (ex. crickets need 12x less feed than cattle)
5. Insects can be fed on organic waste streams

Question 6

What are some livelihood benefits to eating insects?

Answer 6

1. Insect harvesting/rearing is a low tech, low-capital investment option that offers entry even to the poorest sections of society, such as women and the landless
2. Mini livestock offer livelihood opportunities for both urban and rural people
3. Insect rearing can be low tech or very sophisticated, depending on the level of instrument