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The value chain of the edible caterpillar Elaphrodes lactea Gaede (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) in the Miombo forest of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Bomolo, Olivier; Niassy, Saliou; Tanga, Chrysantus M; Chocha, Auguste; Tartibu, Laetitia; Shutcha, Mylor N; Longanza, Baboy; Ekesi, Sunday; Bugeme, David M.
Affiliation
  • Bomolo O; Université de Lubumbashi (UNILU), Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  • Niassy S; Université Nouveaux Horizons (UNH), Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  • Tanga CM; International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE)-African Insect Science for Food and Health, Nairobi, Kenya. sniassy@icipe.org.
  • Chocha A; International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE)-African Insect Science for Food and Health, Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Tartibu L; Université de Lubumbashi (UNILU), Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  • Shutcha MN; University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, Cnr Joe Slovo Drive and Beit St, Doornfontein, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2001, South Africa.
  • Longanza B; Université de Lubumbashi (UNILU), Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  • Ekesi S; Université de Lubumbashi (UNILU), Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  • Bugeme DM; International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE)-African Insect Science for Food and Health, Nairobi, Kenya.
J Ethnobiol Ethnomed ; 15(1): 39, 2019 Aug 14.
Article in En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31412897
BACKGROUND: Elaphrodes lactea Gaede is a highly praised edible lepidopteran insect in the Miombo forest in the DRC. Both caterpillars and pupae of this species are consumed. Following recent declines in the Miombo forest, it is crucial to investigate the rate of consumption, biological, and exploitation cycles, as well as the trade and profitability of E. lactea to develop a sustainable program for its use. METHODS: We, therefore, embarked on a survey in 10 sites located in Lubumbashi between 2011 and 2015. Information on E. lactea supply chain and harvesting period was also documented as well as the mode of selling, pricing, and other determinants of the business. Data were analyzed using R2.15.0 software and means were compared using the Fisher LSD test. RESULTS: The study revealed that E. lactea is the most preferred caterpillar and several indicators guide its exploitation. Caterpillars are available between March and April, and pupation starts in May. Harvesting starts within the household surroundings before reaching the bush, and several harvesting techniques are used. The indirect mode of trade of E. lactea is the most commonly used, with the average price/kg varying between USD2.32 (during in-season = production period for caterpillars) and USD5.24 (during dry season = off-season, mainly pupae). During the peak season of caterpillar production, the harvester's average income per day varies between USD1.6 and USD3.0 whereas it varies between USD2.2 and USD5.2 during the pupal season. Anthropogenic activities, coupled with climatic factors, constitute the main drivers affecting the availability of E. lactea. CONCLUSIONS: The study, therefore, calls on a concerted action from all stakeholders to increase awareness and the development of innovative measures for sustainable exploitation of this insect while ensuring rehabilitation of the forest through community participation.
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Full text: 1 Collection: 01-internacional Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Surveys and Questionnaires / Conservation of Natural Resources / Food Chain / Edible Insects / Lepidoptera Type of study: Clinical_trials / Qualitative_research Limits: Animals / Humans Country/Region as subject: Africa Language: En Journal: J Ethnobiol Ethnomed Journal subject: CIENCIAS SOCIAIS / MEDICINA Year: 2019 Document type: Article Affiliation country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Country of publication: United kingdom

Full text: 1 Collection: 01-internacional Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Surveys and Questionnaires / Conservation of Natural Resources / Food Chain / Edible Insects / Lepidoptera Type of study: Clinical_trials / Qualitative_research Limits: Animals / Humans Country/Region as subject: Africa Language: En Journal: J Ethnobiol Ethnomed Journal subject: CIENCIAS SOCIAIS / MEDICINA Year: 2019 Document type: Article Affiliation country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Country of publication: United kingdom