High School Students’ Perceptions of Entomophagy and the Effects of Lectures with Edible Insect Tasting

Abstract

We propose that an appreciation of traditional entomophagy cultures can lead to an essential understanding of biological resource use, including the relationship between the environment and humans. We conducted after-school lectures on entomophagy with insect-tasting opportunities for high school students. We also analyzed high school students’ experiences and perceptions of entomophagy and the effects of the lectures. Although many students were aware of the proposal by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that entomophagy could be a solution to food scarcity, there was a misconception that people in areas with traditional entomophagy eat insects only because of food shortages. After the lectures with tasting sessions, many students developed a positive sociocultural view of entomophagy. Contrary to expectations, high school students in the Tono region of Gifu prefecture, where a traditional insect-eating culture still exists today, were more resistant to insect eating than those in another region. Many students commented that they realized that people eat insects because they taste good and that entomophagy is an initiative to enhance their daily diet. The lectures not only gave students an understanding of different cultures but also an attitude of respect for their own and others’ cultural traditions.