Globally, issues surrounding population growth, urbanization, climate change, diminishing land and water resources, over- and under nutrition, and persitent poverty, have created uncertainties and pressures on current food and economic systems.
Against this background, the use of insects as alternative sources of food for human consumption and feed for livestock, has captured the imagination of the global research and donor community, as well as the general public. This is because insects are ubiquitous: they reproduce quickly, have high growth and feed conversion rates and low environmental impact. Insects are also valuable sources of minerals and vitamins essential for human development.