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- Title
An Exploration of Edible Palm Weevil Larvae (Akokono) as a Source of Nutrition and Livelihood: Perspectives From Ghanaian Stakeholders.
- Authors
Laar, Amos; Kotoh, Agnes; Parker, Megan; Milani, Peiman; Tawiah, Charlotte; Soor, Shobhita; Anankware, Jacob P.; Kalra, Nikhila; Manu, Grace; Tandoh, Akua; Zobrist, Stephanie; Engmann, Cyril; Pelto, Gretel
- Abstract
<bold>Background: </bold>Meeting the nutritive needs of infants and young children is a challenge in Ghana. Alternative animal source foods, including insects, could enhance infant and young child dietary quality while also improving livelihoods.<bold>Objective: </bold>To investigate the perspectives of Ghanaian stakeholders on the acceptability of the palm weevil larvae ( akokono) as a food source and the feasibility of micro-farming this local edible insect as a complementary food for infants and young children.<bold>Methods: </bold>We conducted an ethnographic study in the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana. First, 48 caregivers were asked questions about feeding and care practices, including attitudes toward production and consumption of akokono. Then, a selection of previously interviewed respondents joined 1 of 8 focus group discussions to provide further insight on key themes that emerged from earlier interviews. Concurrently, interviews with 25 other key local stakeholders were conducted.<bold>Results: </bold>Respondents generally had favorable perceptions of akokono as a nutritious food. A small minority would not consume akokono for religious reasons. Key factors positively influencing the acceptability of akokono as a complementary food were familiarity with the consumption of akokono by the primary caregiver and health worker endorsement of akokono. Stakeholders consider the larvae farmable and were open to its domestication.<bold>Conclusions: </bold>Anticipated barriers to scaling up akokono micro-farming include a need for greater familiarity with and acceptance of the insect as food for infants and young children and creation of a sustainable market. Engagement with stakeholders, including health workers, will facilitate use of akokono as a complementary food.
- Subjects
GHANA; EDIBLE insects; INSECT larvae; INFANT nutrition; CHILD nutrition; SOCIAL history; NUTRITION disorders in infants; NATIVE animals; BABY foods; CAREGIVERS; ETHNOLOGY; FOCUS groups; INFANTS; INSECTS; INTERVIEWING; NUTRITIONAL requirements; NUTRITIONAL value; PREVENTION
- Publication
Food & Nutrition Bulletin, 2017, Vol 38, Issue 4, p455
- ISSN
0379-5721
- Publication type
journal article
- DOI
10.1177/0379572117723396