Scope and present status of rearing edible insects for animal feeding in Africa

Abstract

Edible insects have sparked more research interest as a cheap alternative protein source to replace soya bean and fish meal in animal diets due to their good nutritional value. In general, information on various insects has been widely researched globally. In Africa, the available literature focused more on traditional harvesting of edible insects for use as food and feed. The collection of insects in the wild is considered unsustainable since it leads to overharvesting, endangering and extinction of insects, consequently destabilising the ecosystem. This review discusses and compares the recent findings on the nutritional composition of common African edible insects with nutrient requirements of livestock. This is followed by compiled data of their proximate composition, amino acid, mineral, fatty acids and vitamin contents as derived from the literature. The review also describes insect availability, quantity, quality and production systems used to rear insects for animal feeding in Africa. Insect market demand, benefits and challenges of producing insects as livestock feed are summarised. Lastly, the legislations and regulations imposed on insect harvesting and rearing are thoroughly discussed. The current review findings will provide valuable answers to the present status of sustainable insect production in Africa to meet animal nutrient requirements.