HEALTHYNSECT: Insect Farming for Health and Livelihood

Projects

Overview: The HEALTHYNSECT project aims to generate new knowledge for accelerating rural insect farming and insect consumption in Africa to improve nutrition, health, and livelihoods. The project focuses on sustainable economic development through the farming of edible insects like crickets, grasshoppers, and palm weevil larvae. These insects offer high-quality animal protein and nutrients with lower environmental impacts compared to conventional livestock. The project also aims to create a framework to guide policies for sustainable growth and development through insect farming.

Objectives:

  1. Assess the impact of insect-based food on health and nutrition in rural populations, focusing on maternal and child health.
  2. Evaluate how insect farming can contribute to resilient livelihoods and food security in food-insecure rural settings.
  3. Develop a strategic framework for farming edible insects for inclusion in healthy diets in Africa.
  4. Establish a research-based network across East and West Africa to strengthen research capacity in insect farming and sustainable food systems.

Expected Outcomes:

  • Improved understanding of the impacts of insect consumption on nutrition and health in children and women.
  • Insights into the socio-economic benefits of insect farming.
  • Development of an evidence-based framework for sustainable insect farming.
  • Enhanced research capacity and collaboration among African universities.
  • Build capacity for research in use of edible insects in East and West Africa.

Principal Investigators

  1. Nanna Roos
    • Affiliation: University of Copenhagen (KU), Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports (NEXS), Denmark
    • Title and Qualifications: Associate Professor, PhD
  2. Monica Ayieko
    • Affiliation: Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), Department of Center for Food Security and Biodiversity, Kenya
    • Title and Qualifications: Professor, PhD, Consumer Sciences
  3. Philip Nyeko
    • Affiliation: Makerere University (MAK), Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism, Uganda
    • Title and Qualifications: Professor, PhD
  4. Jacob Anankware
    • Affiliation: University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Department of Horticulture and Crop Production, Ghana
    • Title and Qualifications: Lecturer, PhD, Entomologist
  5. John Kinyuru
    • Affiliation: Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Department of Food Science and Technology, Kenya
    • Title and Qualifications: Lecturer and Research Scientist, PhD
  6. Silvenus Konyole
    • Affiliation: Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), Department of Nutritional Sciences, Kenya
    • Title and Qualifications: Senior Lecturer & Head of Department, PhD

Funding Sources

The HEALTHYNSECT project is funded by the Danida Fellowship Centre under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. Additional co-funding is provided by Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) through the Africa Center of Excellence in Sustainable Use of Insects as Food and Feeds (INSEFOODS), supported by the World Bank.

Key Activities and Milestones

  • Intervention Education and Endline Survey: Conducted an endline survey in October-December 2023 with 2970 households.
  • Data Entry and Analysis: Data entered using RedCap software and cleaned in Denmark with collaboration from Copenhagen University.
  • Conference and Academic Camp: Held a three-day conference and a one-day field tour in Nairobi, followed by an academic camp in Denmark for PhD students.
  • Monitoring and Data Collection: Ongoing monitoring of households’ cricket rearing and consumption. Monitoring of health performance of children being fed of cricke meals as supplements.

Impact and Relevance

The project holds significant potential for improving nutrition and health in rural African populations through the sustainable farming and consumption of edible insects. By providing high-quality protein and nutrients with lower environmental impacts, the project addresses food security, poverty reduction, and sustainable development goals. The research will contribute to policy development and promote sustainable economic growth in Kenya, Uganda, and Ghana.