As a natural protein source, insects as feed have a big potential to help improve livestock production and food security of smallholder farmers. This video from Burkina Faso and Benin provides insights into recent research on this topic.
Almost all smallholder farmers in West Africa farm poultry. But feed and protein sources are becoming increasingly expensive, affecting meat and egg production and reducing family incomes. TheInsects as Feed in West Africahas shown that fly larvae and termites are economically, socially and environmentally viable sources of protein for poultry and fish feed on smallholder farms in West Africa. Adding fly larvae and termites in the diet significantly enhances local chicken growth performances and egg production. The use of insects as feed provides new opportunities for income generation among local populations and will potentially have an effect on local food security.
This video portrays research partners and activities in Burkina Faso and Benin. It emerged from the r4dFood Systems Caravanstages in Burkina Faso and Benin in October 2019.
The video is subtitled and also soon available in dubbed versions in the languages Bambara, Kassim, Mooré, Twi and Fongbé.Watch this video on YouTubeand choose subtitles and language.
Contacts: Fernand Sankara, Université Nazi Boni, Burkina Faso; Guy Apollinaire Mensa et Charles Pomalegni, INRAB, Benin; Marc Kenis, CABI Switzerland, m.kenis@cabi.org
Credits: A project portait by Fernando Sousa and Sara Correia, Liquen Productions, emerging from the r4d Food Security Synthesis Food Systems Caravan West Africa
