An Exploration of Edible Palm Weevil Larvae (Akokono) as a Source of Nutrition and Livelihood: Perspectives From Ghanaian Stakeholders.
Food Nutr Bull
; 38(4): 455-467, 2017 12.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-28969506
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
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.OBJECTIVE:
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.METHODS:
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.RESULTS:
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.CONCLUSIONS:
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.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Trastornos de la Nutrición del Lactante
/
Cuidadores
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Gorgojos
/
Alimentos Infantiles
/
Larva
Tipo de estudio:
Qualitative_research
Límite:
Adolescent
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Adult
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Animals
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Female
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Humans
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Infant
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Male
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Middle aged
/
Newborn
País/Región como asunto:
Africa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Food Nutr Bull
Año:
2017
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Ghana