Local knowledge, perception and practices regarding edible insects among different ethnic groups in Northern Uganda
Abstract Background Insects are widely recognized as a valuable source of protein and solution to food security, particularly in developing countries like Uganda. This study documents the local knowledge and practices of edible insects consumed and perception and attitudes towards edible insects by...
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BMC
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-025-00799-9 |
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| author | Martha F. Alaroker Ronald Twongyirwe Philip Nyeko Francis Sengendo Valtonen Anu Bruno Massa Harriet Angwech Geoffrey M. Malinga Sabine Van Miert |
| author_facet | Martha F. Alaroker Ronald Twongyirwe Philip Nyeko Francis Sengendo Valtonen Anu Bruno Massa Harriet Angwech Geoffrey M. Malinga Sabine Van Miert |
| author_sort | Martha F. Alaroker |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Insects are widely recognized as a valuable source of protein and solution to food security, particularly in developing countries like Uganda. This study documents the local knowledge and practices of edible insects consumed and perception and attitudes towards edible insects by different ethnic groups in northern Uganda. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2023 to January 2024 in the districts of Adjumani, Nwoya, Oyam and Zombo in northern Uganda, where 600 questionnaires which comprised of both closed and open-ended questions were administered to randomly selected respondents (60% female, 40% male) in 24 villages spread across four ethnic groups (Acholi, Langi, Alur and Madi). We aimed to find out, whether differences exist in the types of edible insects consumed and which ones were preferred based on ethnicity, age, gender and education level. Results Our study revealed that eleven edible insect’s species belonging to two orders (Orthoptera and Isoptera) and four families—Tettigoniidae, Termitidae, Gryllotalpidae and Acrididae were consumed as food among the Acholi, Alur, Madi and Langi. These species include: Ruspolia differens, Locusta migratoria, Kraussaria angulifera, Macrotermes subhyalinus, Macrotermes bellicosus, Macrotermes michaelseni, Pseudacanthotermes militaris, Syntermes spp. soldiers, Lanista varelai and Gryllotalpa africana. L. varelai, locally known as ‘Ocene-labolo’ in Acholi, is reported as edible insect for the first time. Additionally, one unidentified edible insect, locally known as ‘Mumu’ in Alur or ‘Lakwinyekimo’ in Acholi, was reported to be used as food. Preference for edible insects varied among the ethnic groups, with R. differens being the most preferred among Alur (85%) and Acholi (41%). Conversely, M. subhyalinus (33%) and M. bellicosus (64%) were the most popular among the Langi and Madi, respectively. The respondents had positive perception on edible insect’s consumption as an alternative protein source (98%) to conventional protein source, particularly for insects that were already known to be eaten in the study areas. Conclusions The high diversity of utilized edible insects identified in our study area and the responses indicate that entomophagy is a common practice in the region. Therefore, along with being an important delicacy and traditional foods, edible insects can improve household nutrition status by providing an alternative protein source to alleviate food insecurity and malnutrition among rural communities. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-86d4e817a63c489bb895aae23e93c464 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1746-4269 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
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| series | Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine |
| spelling | doaj-art-86d4e817a63c489bb895aae23e93c4642025-08-20T03:05:56ZengBMCJournal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine1746-42692025-07-0121111810.1186/s13002-025-00799-9Local knowledge, perception and practices regarding edible insects among different ethnic groups in Northern UgandaMartha F. Alaroker0Ronald Twongyirwe1Philip Nyeko2Francis Sengendo3Valtonen Anu4Bruno Massa5Harriet Angwech6Geoffrey M. Malinga7Sabine Van Miert8Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Gulu UniversityDepartment of Environment and Livelihoods Support Systems, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Mbarara University of Science and TechnologyDepartment of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism, Makerere UniversityDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Gulu UniversityDepartment of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå UniversityDepartment of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, University of PalermoDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Gulu UniversityDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Gulu UniversityCentre of Expertise Sustainable Biomass and Chemistry, Thomas More University of Applied SciencesAbstract Background Insects are widely recognized as a valuable source of protein and solution to food security, particularly in developing countries like Uganda. This study documents the local knowledge and practices of edible insects consumed and perception and attitudes towards edible insects by different ethnic groups in northern Uganda. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2023 to January 2024 in the districts of Adjumani, Nwoya, Oyam and Zombo in northern Uganda, where 600 questionnaires which comprised of both closed and open-ended questions were administered to randomly selected respondents (60% female, 40% male) in 24 villages spread across four ethnic groups (Acholi, Langi, Alur and Madi). We aimed to find out, whether differences exist in the types of edible insects consumed and which ones were preferred based on ethnicity, age, gender and education level. Results Our study revealed that eleven edible insect’s species belonging to two orders (Orthoptera and Isoptera) and four families—Tettigoniidae, Termitidae, Gryllotalpidae and Acrididae were consumed as food among the Acholi, Alur, Madi and Langi. These species include: Ruspolia differens, Locusta migratoria, Kraussaria angulifera, Macrotermes subhyalinus, Macrotermes bellicosus, Macrotermes michaelseni, Pseudacanthotermes militaris, Syntermes spp. soldiers, Lanista varelai and Gryllotalpa africana. L. varelai, locally known as ‘Ocene-labolo’ in Acholi, is reported as edible insect for the first time. Additionally, one unidentified edible insect, locally known as ‘Mumu’ in Alur or ‘Lakwinyekimo’ in Acholi, was reported to be used as food. Preference for edible insects varied among the ethnic groups, with R. differens being the most preferred among Alur (85%) and Acholi (41%). Conversely, M. subhyalinus (33%) and M. bellicosus (64%) were the most popular among the Langi and Madi, respectively. The respondents had positive perception on edible insect’s consumption as an alternative protein source (98%) to conventional protein source, particularly for insects that were already known to be eaten in the study areas. Conclusions The high diversity of utilized edible insects identified in our study area and the responses indicate that entomophagy is a common practice in the region. Therefore, along with being an important delicacy and traditional foods, edible insects can improve household nutrition status by providing an alternative protein source to alleviate food insecurity and malnutrition among rural communities.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-025-00799-9Consumption patternEntomophagyEthnic groupLocal knowledge |
| spellingShingle | Martha F. Alaroker Ronald Twongyirwe Philip Nyeko Francis Sengendo Valtonen Anu Bruno Massa Harriet Angwech Geoffrey M. Malinga Sabine Van Miert Local knowledge, perception and practices regarding edible insects among different ethnic groups in Northern Uganda Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine Consumption pattern Entomophagy Ethnic group Local knowledge |
| title | Local knowledge, perception and practices regarding edible insects among different ethnic groups in Northern Uganda |
| title_full | Local knowledge, perception and practices regarding edible insects among different ethnic groups in Northern Uganda |
| title_fullStr | Local knowledge, perception and practices regarding edible insects among different ethnic groups in Northern Uganda |
| title_full_unstemmed | Local knowledge, perception and practices regarding edible insects among different ethnic groups in Northern Uganda |
| title_short | Local knowledge, perception and practices regarding edible insects among different ethnic groups in Northern Uganda |
| title_sort | local knowledge perception and practices regarding edible insects among different ethnic groups in northern uganda |
| topic | Consumption pattern Entomophagy Ethnic group Local knowledge |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-025-00799-9 |
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