Inventory of edible insects and their harvesting methods in the Cameroon centre region

Abstract

This paper assesses the diversity and the exploitation of edible insects in the Cameroon centre region. To achieve this, 136 regular insects’ harvesters were randomly surveyed in all regional administrative divisions. Eighteen species, mainly caterpillars, are harvested as food. Harvesting and consumption of edible insects are happening throughout the year. The harvesters use 4 methods to collect the insects: (1) semi-domestication; (2) hand picking; (3) light trapping; and (4) net trapping. The harvesting predominantly is a household subsistence activity, although some edible insects are sold. Women and teenagers are the categories involved in edible insect collection. The study is preliminary and further identification of the insect species is needed. However, it constitutes a start for further research work which should focus on nutritional values, marketing chains analysis and pre domestication of identified important species.