New insights into the emerging edible insect industry in Africa

Abstract

The adoption of insect farming is growing at an alarming rate, but the volume required to supply the animal feed and human food market is still low. Safety of edible insects for food and feed remains a major concern. Advanced research on the role of bioactive compounds from edible insects on human health is largely lacking. Therefore, pharmacological, and therapeutic properties of edible insects need to be exploited for improve human and animal health. Insect frass fertilizer, another value-added product from insect farming is quickly picking up and ready for up scaling for improved soil health and increased crop yield. Africa's regulatory frameworks are still in their infancy and require urgent attention. Countries like Kenya and Uganda that have developed new or modified existing regulations to accommodate new industries, insect farming is now operating almost throughout the entire country.