Edible Insects in Africa and the Realization of Sustainable Development Goal 2

Abstract

With an estimated wild edible insect population of 1000 species, Africa stands an opportunity to reduce food and nutrition insecurity and ensure the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goal number 2 of zero hunger. Edible insects have been part of African communities for a long time and form part of their diets and cuisines, particularly within low-income households with limited resources. The purpose of our chapter is to highlight the contribution that edible insects can make toward the fulfillment of Sustainable Development Goal number 2. Our chapter further showcases the opportunities which lie in encouraging edible insect–based diets as a strategy to eliminate hunger and malnutrition. A majority of edible insects contain high percentage nutrient content of proteins, fats, and iron. In addition, communities in Africa can easily access sources that can further be preserved using various indigenous techniques toward the realization of zero hunger, Goal number 2. Some of the edible insects in abundance on the continent include termites, ants, crickets, and caterpillars. All these have established some commercial value that can support small businesses on the continent. We recommend that Africa should commercialize the edible insects production and processing and open a window toward the eradication of perennial hunger as well as improve employment prospects as well as fight the hunger challenge. Furthermore, we recommend the establishment of food safety guidelines on edible insects as most African countries do not have such in place at the moment.