Why socio-economic and attitudinal factors cannot predict entomophagy in rural areas of Madagascar

Abstract

Entomophagy is commonly promoted as one solution to fight global food insecurity. Although many research articles have been published on the perception and acceptance of edible insects in Western nations, comparatively little attention has been paid to developing countries. To narrow down the existing research gap, this study investigates insect consumption behaviour in rural areas of Madagascar, a country that is severely affected by chronic malnutrition. The data was obtained from a household survey conducted in January 2020 in the rural commune of Sandrandahy in the central highlands of Madagascar. Using systematic cluster sampling with probability proportional to size, in 12 out of 38 villages, a sample of 216 households was randomly chosen. Multiple linear regressions were used to determine factors that explain differences in the quantities of insects consumed between local consumers. The amount of time households spent for insect harvesting, a variable which was not considered in any of the other studies reviewed, is the single most important factor explaining the amounts of insects consumed. In light of the results, we try to explain why socio-economic factors and most of the product-related attitudinal factors do not play a role in predicting insect consumption patterns in rural areas of Madagascar. More studies with larger samples in Madagascar and other sub-Saharan African countries are needed to validate the results. Future research should seek to make use of mixed-method approaches to provide more context-specific instruments. The promotion of insect rearing as a farming activity, as opposed to harvesting in the wild, is recommended to overcome seasonal availability gaps, exploit the tremendous potential of edible insects for food security, and strengthen the tradition of entomophagy.