Insects for Food

Insects are increasingly recognized as a nutritious and environmentally sustainable food source, offering high-quality protein, essential fats, and key micronutrients while requiring fewer resources than conventional livestock. Building on this growing global interest, our research focuses on advancing insect-based foods and feed ingredients that can strengthen food security, nutrition, and circular bioeconomy systems in Africa and beyond. We examine insect production and processing approaches, nutrient composition and safety, and practical pathways for integrating insect-derived products into diets and agri-food value chains. Through applied research and capacity-building, my team and I aim to translate scientific evidence into scalable solutions that support resilient food systems, reduced environmental impacts, and new opportunities for local enterprise.A central objective of my work is to understand how insects and their derived products function within biological and production systems, and how these functions can be harnessed to support climate-smart, resource-efficient food systems, particularly in low- and middle-income contexts. 

1. What it means for feed producers

  • New protein alternative: Insects can replace or supplement expensive ingredients like fishmeal and soybean meal in animal feeds.
  • Lower production costs (long-term): Insects require less land, water, and feed inputs, which can improve margins if scaled properly.
  • Business opportunity: Feed producers can diversify into insect farming (e.g., Black Soldier Fly larvae production) or partner with insect suppliers.
  • Product innovation: Opportunity to create high-performance feeds (for poultry, fish, pigs) with better digestibility and nutrient density.
  • Circular economy integration: Use organic waste (e.g., food waste, agricultural byproducts) to rear insects, turning waste into valuable feed inputs.

2. Key takeaways for farmers

  • Cheaper and effective feed options: Insect-based feeds can reduce reliance on costly commercial feeds.
  • Improved animal performance: High protein and essential nutrients support faster growth and better health in livestock, especially poultry and fish.
  • On-farm production potential: Farmers can rear insects themselves (small-scale systems) using farm waste.
  • Climate resilience: Insect farming is less affected by drought and feed shortages compared to traditional livestock feed sources.
  • Income diversification: Selling insects or insect-based products can become an additional revenue stream.

3. Policy & industry relevance

  • Food security strategy: Supports national efforts to reduce dependence on imported feed ingredients and improve protein availability.
  • Sustainability goals: Aligns with climate-smart agriculture and reduced environmental impact (lower emissions, less land use).
  • Waste management policies: Encourages regulations that allow safe use of organic waste streams for insect production.
  • Standards & safety frameworks: Governments need to develop guidelines for insect feed safety, processing, and quality control.
  • Job creation & enterprise growth: Promotes new agribusiness sectors (insect farming, processing, feed manufacturing), especially for youth and SMEs in Africa.