According to Professor Monica Ayieko, a nutrition expert at Bondo University in Kenya, insects such as termites and mayflies can be favoured by weather conditions brought about due to climate change and need to be promoted as food.

With population increase and the elimination of arable land due to urbanization and climate change, edible insects could provide a lifeline in due course as an attempt to attain food security.

Even though insects have been used as food in many Kenyan societies, Professor Ayieko said the major challenge will be to popularise them. According to her, many people have chosen to follow the Western culture and thus view insects as a meal for the poor, so acceptability will depend on those who are aware of the benefits of insects convincing the others.

(Source: Edible insects next on the menu in the quest for food security [East African])