Insects are the most diverse group of animals known, and although there are nearly 2,000 species known to be utilized as food by people, there is a high likelihood that many more species could be utilized. Historically, insects have been eaten by people from many different cultures as part of their normal diet. This tradition has actively continued in several continents where collecting food insects is an important part of people’s livelihoods. Depending upon the geographical location of these different cultures, insects are collected from forests, freshwater ecosystems, deserts, and even agricultural fields. In most cultures, collecting insects as food was governed by traditional methods that encourage sustainability in the supply of insects. Increasing population pressures, along with associated habitat degradation, has seen adoption of non-sustainable harvesting practices.
One of the dangers faced by people globally is the loss of food diversity, and the use of a diverse range of food insects would be a step to alleviate this problem. Many edible insect species are only seasonally available, and there have been some species that have been semi-domesticated to be farmed, either in the wild or in cages. The number of edible insect species that fall into this category is very small, and the potential to farm more species is high and requires further investigation.
Fuelled by the growing trend of eating healthier foods, many farmers are turning to insect farming, particularly the domestication of mopane worms. These insects are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein, minerals, and other essential nutrients. They are also a native species of Zimbabwe, making them an ideal choice for local farmers. As demand for healthy and sustainable foods continues to rise, the market for edible insects is expected to grow in the coming years."
In an interview, Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (MUAST) executive director for innovation and industrialisation Dr Lesley Machakwa said: "Accessibility to edible insects varies across geographical regions but is steadily increasing. While insect farming is a relatively new concept in Zimbabwe,it is popular in Europe. Currently, insect farmers are primarily focusing on rearing worms and house crickets, which are known as "humbwe" and are mainly reared in Kenya and East Africa."
Local farmers have been inspired by success stories from East Africa, where crickets are being farmed for human consumption. They are also looking into raising black soldier flies as a sustainable source of animal feed. As the sector grows, insect farming may become an increasingly important part of Zimbabwe's agricultural landscape.
