Entomophagy in the Benin republic, new opportunities for mass-rearing of edible insects

Abstract

Abstract Despite the long-standing tradition of insect consumption in Africa, there are few publications describing their geographical distribution, diversity, availability and consumption practices in the Benin republic. The present study investigated the geographical distribution of edible insects, but also the frequencies of insect citation and consumption across ten phytogeographical zones (PGZ) of the Benin republic. A survey involving 1,267 participants was conducted through focus group discussions (FGDs) and individual interviews, covering one district in each PGZ. The study identified 22 edible species from six different orders: Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Isoptera, Lepidoptera, Mantodea, and Orthoptera. These species are primarily available during the rainy season and are typically collected using traditional methods. They are consumed in various forms, including roasted, fried, boiled, or raw, depending on the developmental stages. Based on the frequencies of cited edible species, the most cited was established for each PGZ, and a shortlist of 12 species was identified for all PGZs. For each five most cited edible species, the frequency of insect consumption was associated, allowing for the selection of species to promote for mass rearing. This frequency, which is generally low for most edible species, varies according to the species and the PGZ concerned. Brachytrupes membranaceus , Cybister spp., Gryllus bimaculatus , Gymnoproctus sculpturatus , Ornithacris turbida cavroisi , Rhynchophorus phoenicis and Zonocerus variegatus were identified as candidates for promotion in the Benin republic. This study showed that a variety of edible species exist in the Benin republic, but most are rarely consumed. For better promotion of these insects as food, future studies are needed to investigate the mass rearing and/or consumer perception of these promotable edible species.