Why socio-economic and attitudinal factors cannot predict entomophagy in rural areas of Madagascar

Abstract

Entomophagy is commonly promoted as one solution to fight global food insecurity. Although many research articles have been published on the perception and acceptance of edible insects in Western nations, comparatively little attention has been paid to developing countries. To narrow down the existing research gap, this study investigates insect consumption behaviour in rural areas of Madagascar, a country that is severely affected by chronic malnutrition. The data was obtained from a household survey conducted in January 2020 in the rural commune of Sandrandahy in the central highlands of Madagascar. Using systematic cluster sampling with probability proportional to size, in 12 out of 38 villages, a sample of 216 households was randomly chosen. Multiple linear regressions were used to determine factors that explain differences in the quantities of insects consumed between local consumers. The amount of time households spent for insect harvesting, a variable which was not considered in any of the other studies reviewed, is the single most important factor explaining the amounts of insects consumed. In light of the results, we try to explain why socio-economic factors and most of the product-related attitudinal factors do not play a role in predicting insect consumption patterns in rural areas of Madagascar. More studies with larger samples in Madagascar and other sub-Saharan African countries are needed to validate the results. Future research should seek to make use of mixed-method approaches to provide more context-specific instruments. The promotion of insect rearing as a farming activity, as opposed to harvesting in the wild, is recommended to overcome seasonal availability gaps, exploit the tremendous potential of edible insects for food security, and strengthen the tradition of entomophagy.

Barriers, risks and risk management strategies in European insect supply chains

“…When selecting foods, customers must consider productrelated factors, such as nutritional values, taste and smell, and safety (Adámek et al, 2018). The nutritional value of edible insects influences their consumption in Madagascar (Meysing et al, 2021). Moreover, food safety concerns harm the frequency with which Chinese consumers consume edible insects (Liu et al, 2020).…”

“…According to Liu et al (2020), family size does not affect the frequency of consumption of edible insects. Yet, Meysing et al (2021) discovered that larger households in Madagascar have lower per capita insect consumption because more members share total amounts. In contrast, larger families in Kenya are more likely to adopt entomophagy (Omemo et al, 2021), maybe because more family members increase the available time for insect collection in the wild, thereby expanding the insect harvest (Dürr and Ratompoarison, 2021).…”

“…Omemo et al, 2021). Given that insect consumption in many entomophagous countries may have already decreased due to westernisation (Chakravorty et al, 2013;Manditsera et al, 2018;Pambo et al, 2018), more consumer studies for traditional insect-consuming countries where malnutrition is chronic are needed to understand the associated driving forces (Meysing et al, 2021). Investigating consumer acceptance is important for such countries, as people from traditional insect-eating areas may also reject insect consumption for various reasons (Ghosh et al, 2019).…”

Entomophagy practices, use patterns, and factors influencing perception and consumption frequency of edible insects in the Republic of Benin

“…The development of strategies allowing the acceptance of entomophagy by Beninese populations requires a better understanding of the factors influencing the perception and consumption of edible insects. Indeed, several factors such as consumers' socio-demographic characteristics, consumers' external environment, and factors related to the insects consumed are known as influencing the acceptance or rejection of entomophagy [17]. Unfortunately, very few studies have focused on the factors influencing the acceptance and practice of entomophagy by Beninese people.…”