Abstract
In order to assess the contribution of edible insects to the efforts for combatting food insecurity and poverty in Cote d’Ivoire, a survey aimed at identifying edible insects in Cote d’Ivoire was conducted from August 2014 to August 2015 in three communes in the city of Abidjan (Abobo, Adjame and Yopougon). Four hundred and seventy-two people were interviewed at random. The results revealed that 59.72% of the respondents consume insects against 40.27% who do not consume them. This study has helped to identify nine edible insect species belonging to eight families and five orders. The species Imbrasia oyemensis (Lepidoptera, Satunidae) and Macrotermes subhylinus (Isoptera, Macrotermitidae) are widely consumed due to their availability in markets. The species Rhyncophorus phoenicis (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) or palm tree caterpillar is one of the most prized by 40% of the surveyed population. The statistical analyses applied to the 365 people surveyed revealed that insect consumption is a function of the cultural area (X²=76.7; ddl= 4, p < 0.05) and the age ((X²=54.88, ddl=3; p < 0.05) of the consumers. In economic terms, insect trade remains a significant source of income in households having an average income estimated at 58,666.66±11216 FCFA per seller and per month. However, their availability in markets is seasonal. A mastery of the biology of these insects could ensure their permanent availability in markets. Key words: Edible insects, Abidjan, motivations, age, region, consumers.
Highlights
The global demand for food, especially animal protein, is continuously increasing due to population growth and urbanization (Lavalette, 2013)
Studies on the nutritional value of certain edible insect species were made in Abidjan (Akpossan et al, 2009; Niaba et al, 2011; Gbogouri, 2013)
A total of nine edible insect species split into seven families and five orders were identified
Summary
The global demand for food, especially animal protein, is continuously increasing due to population growth and urbanization (Lavalette, 2013). In response to these challenges, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has opted for entomophagy or insect consumption as an alternative to the food and nutritional challenges of low-income populations (FAO, 2013). These animals are an important source of protein and energy for various populations (Chutima et al, 2015). The present study, which is part of the fight against food insecurity, has the long-term objective of promoting entomophagy in Côte d'Ivoire. It is about inventorying the insect species consumed in Abidjan and assessing the factors related to their consumption
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