Indigenous Knowledge about Consumption of Edible Insects in South Africa

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Edible insects are a natural resource rich in protein, fats, vitamins, amino acids, and minerals such as zinc and iron. Consumption of insects is a traditional practice in many African countries. Edible insects are consumed for their nutritional value and play an essential role in human nutrition across Africa. We conducted questionnaires intending to document indigenous knowledge regarding the consumption of insects, and collection and preparation methods used by rural people in Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), provinces of South Africa. We found that most people still consume insects in Limpopo while fewer people do so in KZN. In KZN, respondents cited that the decline in entomophagy might be caused by the adoption of western diets, discomfort associated with eating insects, and the decline in the availability of insects from the wild. Mopane worms and termites were the most preferred insects in Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal, respectively. Edible insects contribute to human nutrition and play an important role in improving the livelihoods of people in rural areas of South Africa. As a result, people should be encouraged to include edible insects in their daily diets. ABSTRACT: Consumption of edible insects is an indigenous practice that has played an essential role in human nutrition across Africa. The traditional use of insects forms an important part of food culture in Africa, and insects are consumed either as a delicacy, emergency, or staple source of food. However, indigenous knowledge about insect consumption is being lost because recent generations have adopted western methods and paid less attention to traditional practices. We conducted 500 questionnaires in five local municipalities in Kwazulu-Natal (KZN), and 122 questionnaires in four local municipalities in Vhembe district in Limpopo, South Africa, to document indigenous knowledge about edible insects’ consumption, collection, and preparation methods used in Limpopo and KZN. Eight insect species belonging to five insect orders were used as food in Limpopo and KZN, with mopane worms (94%) and termites (70%) being the most preferred species by respondents in Limpopo and KZN, respectively. Ninety-five percent of the respondents occasionally consumed insects in Limpopo, while only 28% did so in KZN. Nutritional benefits and tradition were the main reasons for consuming insects. Edible insects are a nutritious diet and play an important role in people’s livelihoods in rural areas. However, there was a notable decline in entomophagy, particularly in KZN. The decline may be related to occidental acculturation, discomfort associated with eating insects, and declining insect availability. To promote entomophagy, the authorities should encourage people to include edible insects in their diets because of their nutritional value. In addition, edible insect flour should be incorporated in food products such as biscuits, bread, energy bars, cereal, and cookies to promote acceptability.