Urban farms, insects, key in battle against hunger
I really enjoyed the mopane worm when I was in South Africa [with pap, a staple meal made from maize].
By: Michael Kaloki
Science Dev Net
Jan 13, 2022
Excerpt:
Food security is an ongoing challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa. But Esther Ngumbi says bugs offer a solution.
Ngumbi is an assistant professor of entomology – the study of insects – at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, in the US, and a mentor for young researchers through the Clinton Foundation.
Raised in a drought-prone area of Kenya, Ngumbi tells SciDev.Net that insects can be a sustainable source of food and nutrition for communities in cities, and on the frontlines of climate change.
Do you have a favourite recipe for eating insects?
I have eaten many insects, but I would say my favourite is when they are fried and become crispy and crunchy, and of course they’re really delicious. I’ve eaten stir fried crickets that were combined with bell peppers and onions, and it was yum. I really enjoyed the mopane worm when I was in South Africa [with pap, a staple meal made from maize]. I have also enjoyed stir fried mealworms, they’re crunchy and interesting. So, I have many favourite insect recipes that I’ve tried and loved. I keep an open mind and continue to find new recipes.
You believe that better urban agriculture can help combat unhealthy eating habits. However, many people living in Sub-Saharan Africa’s cities don’t have a lot of space. Do you have a strategy in mind for such situations?
That’s the very essence of urban farming – using small spaces and making the most out of these small spaces. It could be a window sill, a balcony or that small space outside your door. I think our houses have several spaces that we can use to grow food.
