Zambia Study Shows Edible Insects Could Strengthen Rural Food Security

Researchers from the University of the Witwatersrand surveyed 139 rural households in Zambia’s Central province to assess the role of edible insects in local diets. The study found that insects contribute to household food security and nutrition, yet the tradition of entomophagy has fallen in popularity, especially among younger residents. Consumption was higher in families with greater education, suggesting that informed community leaders can promote the practice. The authors note that insects are not yet integrated into mainstream economic or dietary systems, limiting their potential to support sustainable livelihoods. They propose linking entomophagy to existing public‑health programs—such as AIDS awareness, maternal‑child health, and primary‑school nutrition—to increase acceptance and uptake.