Entomophagy

The Practice of Insect Eating

The switch from agricultural diets to post-industrial diets has led to malnutrition in many across the world, in both developed and developing countries. Moreover, humans continue to rely on production animals for protein and dairy. In Dr Monika Doblin’s lecture, she stated that one-third of crop production was used to feed these production animals. A solution to this is insect consumption.

Entomophagy is uncommon in westernised cultures; however, it is the norm in countries including Thailand, Mexico, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria. The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation states that crickets are twelve times more efficient than cattle in converting feed to meat. Furthermore, a study from the Netherlands’ Wageningen University estimated that mealworms require a tenth of the land space to produce the same amount of protein as beef cattle. In consuming a sufficient amount of protein, insect eating is much more sustainable and would aid malnourished children in developing countries and reduce the annual mortality rate of undernourished people.

Insects are much more sustainable and environmentally ethical than production animals, as they emit fewer greenhouse gases and ammonia as well as require considerably less land and water than cattle or pigs. In addition, insects are also high in nutritional value, proving to provide high levels of protein, fat, fibre, vitamin and mineral content. The easily accessible food source is capable of providing for undernourished populations in the world, especially in developing countries where insect consumption is normalised.

Source: Food and Agriculture Organisation

Frozen silkworm pupae in a Thai market - Source: Forbes

Not only does insect-eating provide nutritional and environmental benefits, it can also economically support many families living under the poverty line. Insect farming has proven to provide a stable income for farmers and their families in developing countries. In South-East Asia, insect farming and the insect market play a solid economic role, with the Thailand market already valued at 1.14 million USD a year. According to the World Bank, in countries where the average annual gross national income per capita is averaged at 5640 USD, farms producing roughly 500 to 750 kilograms of crickets four to five times a year are estimated to make net incomes of 4270 to 9970 USD. Additionally Global Market Insights state the market in Vietnam, China, Thailand, the Netherlands, Brazil and Mexico have a predicted growth to 546 million USD by 2023, and this growth will most likely result from acceptance of entomophagy and consumer awareness. However, western societies continue to be critical of insect eating.

The main issue in insect-eating is society's lack of awareness surrounding the practice. Dr Monika Doblin and Dr Kim Johnson both suggest progressively implementing insects into food while not feeding with entire insect bodies. An example is mixing cricket powder with other ‘normal’ foods, and this could lead crickets into becoming a standard ingredient in meals without the disgust factor. This would be gradual and a long process; however, insects provide a wide range of nutritional benefits and could slightly ease the world’s malnutrition crisis.

Another potential problem with insect eating is bacteria transmission. Insects carry parasites that harm humans, and are potentially deadly. Insects must not be bred in unclean environments; however, hygienic standards are not always followed in most Asian developing countries. In the early 1950s, it was reported that bacteria in dragonflies had infected a large group in Malaysia. Nevertheless, a study conducted in 2016 on the ‘Evaluation of hazardous chemicals in edible insects and insect-based food intended for human consumption’ found that insect species pose no additional hazards compared to conventionally consumed animal foods and were in favour of insect eating as a common practice.

The Pros and Cons of Entomophagy

Pros of Genetic Entomophagy

A minimal amount of produced greenhouse gas emissions and a reduced carbon footprint
Insects are nutrient dense and filled with protein, iron, fibre, vitamins, etc.
Limits unnecessary water and land use
Can sustain the economy of developing countries

Cons of Genetic Entomophagy

Lack of education and awareness
Possible bacteria transmission

Would Entomophagy Benefit the Developing World?

In the final analysis, entomophagy would be a primary solution in facing the malnutrition problem in developing countries, and additionally in reducing the malnutrition problem in developed countries. Programs to lecture farmers on proper insect farming, emphasising the importance of hygiene, would decrease the risk of bacteria transmission and transmission of other pathogens through insects. Insect eating is beneficial in all nutritional, environmental and economic aspects, especially in developing countries where many live below the poverty line and suffer from undernourishment every day, and would be a valid approach in combatting food insecurity in a growing population.