Speaker
Description
Introduction
Research underscores the potential of alternative protein sources in advancing sustainable food systems to foster sustainable diets (Parodi et al., 2018; Willett et al., 2019). Among these alternatives, edible insects are one them, offering high-quality animal protein and essential nutrients (Liceaga et al., 2022). However, these species are typically part of traditional diets sourced from wild harvesting in tropical countries, which limits their potential as alternative protein sources due to challenges such as seasonality and environmental contamination (van Huis et al., 2013). To overcome these challenges, insect farming has emerged as a novel and sustainable agricultural practice (Verner et al., 2021). Implemented at a small scale, insect farming holds potential for benefiting vulnerable farm households in developing countries facing issues like arable land scarcity and climate-induced shortages of farming inputs (Nischalke et al., 2020; van Huis et al., 2013). Insect farming requires less land and water, produces fewer greenhouse gases, has a high feed conversion ratio, and can be conducted using low-tech and inexpensive materials and feed (van Huis & Oonincx, 2017). Furthermore, it can support food security initiatives in areas where affordable nutritious foods are scarce (van Huis et al., 2021) and contributes positively to employment and income generation for households (Gahukar, 2016; van Huis et al., 2013). Therefore, insect farming is an innovative approach that can serve as a form of mini-livestock for rural households (Bai et al., 2023; Nischalke et al., 2020).
While the adoption of new agricultural technologies by smallholder farmers is well-researched (Feder et al., 1985; Zilberman et al., 2012), there exists a gap in the literature regarding the adoption of insect farming. In this study, we aim to address three objectives. First, we provide a rigorous investigation of the willingness to adopt insect farming in Africa. This investigation is critical for determining whether and which interventions are needed to promote insect farming, as evidence regarding drivers of adoption in developing countries is lacking despite several initiatives supporting insect farming (Verner et al., 2021). Understanding these drivers is essential for informing targeted policy options consistent with constraints and preferences (Blazy et al., 2011). Second, we examine the role of behavioral factors in driving willingness to adopt. While the literature on insect consumption investigates the influence of behavioral factors on willingness to eat insects (Mulungu et al., 2023), to the authors’ knowledge, no research has specifically examined these factors concerning insect farming. Behavioral factors, such as risk attitude, perceived benefit, and perceived control, play a significant role in farmers’ internal decision-making processes (Abay et al., 2017; Dessart et al., 2019). However, these factors are often overlooked compared to non-behavioral factors such as credit access (Meijer et al., 2015; Mobarak & Saldanha, 2022). In this study, we focus on these key behavioral factors. Third, we examine the role of information, social capital, and experience in willingness to adopt insect farming. These factors have been associated with farmers' decisions to adopt (Marra et al., 2003), but it remains unclear whether they influence insect farming decisions. We hypothesize that awareness of new technology, social capital, and experience may play crucial roles in shaping farmers' willingness to adopt insect farming.
To achieve our objectives, we employ cross-sectional data collected from three countries (Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda), representing regions in Africa where traditional insect consumption is common (Siddiqui et al., 2023), and insect farming activities are rapidly expanding (Verner et al., 2021). A total of 8,886 farm households participated in the survey. Our regression analysis indicates that behavioral factors, including risk attitude, perceived benefits, and perceived control, are important drivers of willingness to adopt insect farming in Africa.
Method
We developed a common questionnaire adjusted for context to collect data from the three countries. Based on a multistage sampling approach, 99 villages were selected in each country for the survey. The survey was administered using the REDCap software. We collected diverse information encompassing socioeconomic and demographic factors, child and household dietary diversity, food insecurity perception, risk attitude and perception, willingness to adopt insect farming, perceived benefits and control of insect farming, and experiences with insect consumption and farming. We analyzed the data using a linear probability model with additional robustness checks.
Findings
Our findings reveal that risk attitude, perceived benefit, and control influence willingness to adopt insect farming. Farmers with a risk-taking attitude are more likely to adopt insect farming than risk-averse farmers, as are those who perceive it as beneficial and simple to implement. Experiential factors, such as prior experience with insect consumption and information from religious and community organizations, positively influence willingness to adopt. Furthermore, we find that young men and risk-taking women are more willing to adopt insect farming. Conversely, factors such as cultivated land size, distance to markets, and household dietary diversity are negatively associated with adoption.
Conclusion and Policy Implications
Our results underscore the importance of behavioral factors in driving willingness to adopt insect farming. In terms of policy implications, interventions should target farmers with a risk-averse attitude by emphasizing the benefits of insects as food and addressing other constraints. Additionally, insect farming can be a relevant strategy for households with lower dietary diversity. Enhancing farmers’ knowledge and skills may increase their perceived level of control to engage in insect farming. Religious and community organizations can serve as crucial information channels to promote insect farming.
