“It is edible, so we eat it”: Insect supply and consumption in the central highlands of Madagascar

Abstract

Entomophagy is a common practice in many parts of Madagascar, but the supply of insects for local consumption has hardly been explored. This study analyses insect harvesting, marketing and consumption in the central highlands of Madagascar. Based on focus group discussions, key informant interviews and interviews on markets, research shows that some insects are highly esteemed by consumers. The main species consumed are wild silkworm chrysalis, locusts, and beetles. The seasonal supply of edible insects does not satisfy the demand of the population. Insects are mostly harvested by villagers for own consumption. Only some species are marketed on the local level, and there are few traders involved. However, at least seasonally, insects seem to be an important food and income source for farmers and urban consumers. As wild harvesting is limited, and even decreased in recent years, shifting from wild gathering to rearing could compensate for this falling trend and offer a higher, more continuous supply of insects in a chronic food insecure region.