Consumer awareness and acceptance of edible insects in Lanao del Sur, ARMM: potentials for food security

Leo M. Aguanta

Issue Date

10-2017

Abstract

Entomophagy or the practice of eating insects is not well accepted in the Philippines, compared to other parts of the world, where they are routinely eaten, as a great protein source. In fact, experts are exploring ways to incorporate entomophagy in the global food system to replace common animal protein sources. In line with this global trend, entomophagy was promoted in Mindanao State University, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, through Insect Eating Festivals (IEF) to educate students on utilizing insects as food. This study assessed entomophagy in terms of participants’ perceptions, consumption of insect-based food, and change in awareness before and after IEF. Data from 90 grasshopper toppings (37%), followed by horseradish polvoron with rice and corn weevils (22%), and horseradish turon with earwigs and ants (21%), spaghetti with superworms (17%), and sandwhich with honeybees as fillers (17%). The least consumed was glutinous rice with cabbage worms (10%). Increase in participants’ awareness level after IEF on insect edibility and as key food for nutrition suggests that IEF is effective for educating people about the potentials of entomophagy. These initial findings point toward the possibility of using entomophagy to manage pest populations during outbreaks, provide alternative source for animal and fish feeds, and address problems in malnutrition due to low protein intake. However, further multidisciplinary studies need to address food safety issues and explore openness of potential consumers.

Source or Periodical Title

The Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

31

Issue

2

Page

157

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

USEFUL INSECTS; INSECT AS FOOD; ENTOMOPHAGY; CONSUMER SURVEYS; CONSUMER PARTICIPATION; CONSUMPTION; FOOD CONSUMPTION, ACCEPTABILITY; FOOD SECURITY; PEST CONTROL; INSECT CONTROL

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