Perception and cultural influence towards the use of insects and livestock raised on insect-enriched feed in urban Uganda

Abstract

The increasing population and urbanization in sub-Saharan Africa are escalating the demand for acceptable alternative protein sources such as insects to conventional ones such as soy and animal protein. This study investigates the perception and cultural influence towards native and non-native insects’ use for food and feed, and the consumption of animal products raised on insect-enriched feed in urban Uganda. The study that surveyed 384 participants spanning 24 ethnic groups from both formal and informal sectors, revealed a substantial 87% engagement in entomophagy, predominantly among the youth (81%). Native edible insects i.e. grasshoppers (58%) and white ants (41%) were preferred to non-native ones such as house crickets (1%). Cultural influence was the predominant motivator, significantly (χ2 (1) = 238.6, p≤ 0.001) driving 83% of respondents’ entomophagous behaviour. A noteworthy 57% affirmed willingness to consume livestock raised on insect-enriched feed, majority (90%) support insect rearing and using insect-enriched feeds, with maggots (larvae) being the most preferred (χ2 (3) = 285.8, p<0.001) for feed. Familiarity and prior exposure through entomophagy significantly (p<0.05) influenced respondents’ attitudes towards using insects for food, feed, and consumption of livestock raised on insect feed. Ethnicity did not influence insects’ use as food but significantly influenced their attitude towards rearing insects for feed (p<0.001), supported by the Ganda, followed by Acholi and Ankole, and not other ethnic groups. Education was a significant (p<0.05) predictor of the respondents’ thinking that insects can be harmful and that packaging and hygiene associated with insect trade are poor. Emerging trends, such as purchasing insects from formal stores and consideration of safety and hygiene, especially among the educated, reflect a shift toward high regard for hygienic food and feed. Culture and familiarity should be used to promote insects’ utilisation, with appropriate guidelines/policies to ensure safe and hygienic insect farming, processing and marketing/distribution.