Potential of edible insect farming as food resource in arid regions

Abstract

Following the 2013 FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) report, the global spotlight turned to the use of edible insects as a sustainable food source. Among the various insects, crickets have attracted significant attention due to their low greenhouse gas emissions and successful large-scale farming in Thailand. This interest led to the emergence of cricket farming start-ups targeting consumers in developed countries. However, little effort has been directed towards low-income populations in developing countries where insect consumption is traditional. This study explores scenarios for social implementation of insect farming to contribute to local nutrition, based on the author’s experience as a project manager leading an insect farming initiative in Laos PDR. It focuses on rural communities in developing countries that are vulnerable to the adverse effects of arid regions.