Education as a key to promoting insects as food

Abstract

Children in tropical countries have always eaten insects but are now often discouraged from doing so. Recently, the idea of the consumption of insects has been re-introduced as an answer to malnutrition since edible insects are a potential alternative and sustainable protein and food source. However, in countries where the consumption of insects is not traditional, there is a lack of acceptance as well as skills when it comes to preparing a meal with insects. Examples of experiments from different parts of the world are given, where children in schools are educated about the nutritional and environmental benefits of eating insects. In general, after the experience, children are more positive about the idea of eating insects. It is stipulated that insects as food could be a very good entry point for the discussion about our future food supply. Furthermore, with the increasing commercial production of edible insects, there is an increasing demand for skilled workers in the insect production industry. Essential to the promotion of insect consumption are the development of curricula and educational materials for vocational education, training of insect farmers, and general education in primary and secondary schools as well as tertiary education.

Ентомофагія: Нове І Перспективне Джерело Білка Майбутнього Для Вирішення Продовольчої Та Кормової Безпеки

“…Insects are rich in proteins (20-70 %), amino acids (30-60 %), fats (10-50 %), carbohydrates (2-10 %), mineral elements, vitamins and other biologically active substances (BAS), which contribute to human health. The choice of insects as food is further enhanced by the fact that they are potential sources of protein, fat, vitamins and minerals, especially iron and zinc [37][38][39][40][41][42][43].…”

Effectiveness of a teaching unit on the willingness to consume insect-based food – An intervention study with adolescents from Germany

“…In line with Lensvelt and Steenbekkers ( 66 ), we argue that the lack of communication about perceived risks of insect consumption might be the reason that adolescents’ willingness to consume insect-based food could not be increased. Moreover, the social influence of adolescents’ families or peers plays a central role in their dietary habits ( 13 , 97 ). Thus, adolescents’ willingness to consume insect-based food might be negatively influenced by peers’ rejection of edible insects.…”

Entomophagy—Acceptance or Hesitancy in Romania

“…The level of education [57,58] does not influence the respondents' frequency of trying new, exotic foods, as the majority of them chose a few times a year, regardless of the last level of schooling they completed (Table 5). In other words, there are mass-media sources (TV, radio, Internet) that allow all categories of the population to gain access to information.…”