Diversity of edible insects and their related indigenous knowledge: evidence from KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo provinces, South Africa.
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Date
2021
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Abstract
Entomophagy is an ancient indigenous practice that has played a significant role in human
nutrition around the world. In addition, the traditional use of edible insects forms an important
part of food culture in Africa. Edible insects are widely consumed across the African continent
for their taste, nutritional value, or as an emergency food source during times of food shortage.
They have been proposed and recommended as a sustainable food source that can assure food
security, because edible insects are rich in protein, fats, amino acids, iron, zinc, and energy. As
a result, edible insects play an essential role in human nutrition. In addition, the trade of edible
insects plays an important role in improving livelihoods in developing countries. However, little
is known about the diversity and nutritional composition of various insects consumed in South
Africa. In addition, little is being done to document traditional knowledge on the consumption
of insects, and processes involved in harvesting, processing, and preparing edible insects. This
study aimed to document indigenous knowledge regarding the consumption of edible insects,
their diversity and distribution, and their nutritional composition. This was done by (i)
reviewing existing literature on the diversity of insect and their nutritional status in Africa. (ii)
documenting consumption patterns, methods, or techniques used in collecting and preparing
insects in South Africa. (iii) determining the nutritional composition of some major insect
groups consumed in Africa, (iv) determining the most preferred insect groups, and (v) by
documenting the socio-economic benefits of trading insects. Closed and open-ended questions
were conducted in various rural areas in five and four local municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal
(KZN) and Limpopo. To document indigenous knowledge about trading, consumption,
collection and preparation methods used in these provinces. Dried samples of four insect groups
were procured from different markets across Vhembe district, Limpopo Province. The
nutritional composition of the procured insect types was analysed using the standard
Association of Official Analytical Chemist (AOAC) methods. A systematic review was
conducted to determine the diversity and nutritional composition of edible insects consumed in
Africa. A systematic review search resulted in 98 eligible papers listing 212 edible insect
species from eight orders that are used as food in Africa. The highest protein (range: 20–80%)
and fat (range: 10–50%) content were recorded in order Lepidoptera. While the highest
carbohydrates (range: 7–54%) content was reported in order Coleoptera. Majority of the people
still practice entomophagy in Limpopo while, there are only a few people consuming insects in
KwaZulu-Natal. Gynanisa caterpillar, Gonimbrasia belina (mopane worm), termites, Encosternum delegorguei (stink bug), Cirina forda (emperor moth), Locustana spp. (brown
locust), Zenocerous spp. (grasshopper), Carebara vidua (ant), and Cicadoidea spp. (cicada)
were used as food in Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal. From these, mopane worms and termites
were the most preferred species. These insects were primarily collected from the wild, and
consumed either fried, boiled, roasted, sundried, or as relish. Nutritional benefits and tradition
were the primary reason for consuming insects in the two provinces. However, religion and
discomfort associated with consuming insects were the main reasons for not consuming insects.
Findings from the nutritional analysis of four insect types showed that termite (soldiers/
workers) had the highest protein and iron content, while Gynanisa caterpillar had the highest
zinc content. The ranges of the percentage contribution of the insects studied relative to the
Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for protein amongst different age groups, indicated that
the insects would contribute significantly to addressing protein deficiencies, 89.5-160.4% EAR
for 4-8 years old children and 29.9-53.6% EAR for childbearing women (19-50 years).
However, because Gonimbrasia belina are consumed in a relatively higher portion size than
the other edible insects, it would be a good source of protein for different population groups.
Generally, boiling with or without salt added resulted in a significant increase in protein, iron,
and zinc content of Gonimbrasia belina samples. On the other hand, frying resulted in a
significant decrease in protein content of Gonimbrasia belina samples. Five insect groups were
traded for cash income in Vhembe district, Limpopo province. Of these, mopane worm was the
most traded insect. Trading insects provided financial support and cash income to unemployed
people in this province. Income generated from trading insects range from R100 - R200 ($6, 2
- $12, 3) per week to above R2000 ($123, 3) per week with the majority of traders making an
income of R600 -R1000 ($36, 9-$61, 6) per week. Unemployment and poverty were the main
reason for trading insects. Despite the economic benefit associated with trading insects, few
governmental organizations in Limpopo included edible insects in economic development
strategies. In addition, insect trading took place in the informal markets along the street,
pavements, and on table stalls made of cardboard and wood. Safety and hygiene were the major
issues of concern stated by the respondents in Vhembe district. Therefore, government need to
provide infrastructure and financial support to improve the trading conditions of edible insects.
Also, policy and legislation that recognise and govern the consumption, trading, and harvesting
of edible insects are required, because edible insects play an important role in income
generation. In addition, edible insects contribute to food and nutrition security in developing countries with chronic nutrient deficiencies. Therefore, the consumption of insects should be
promoted and encouraged in poor communities.
Description
Doctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.