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Micro‐Farming of Palm Weevil Larvae ( Akokono ) for Economic Empowerment and Nutritional Impact
Author(s) -
Parker Megan,
Zobrist Stephanie,
Tawiah Charlotte,
Manu Grace,
Mansen Kimberly,
Soor Shobhita,
Laar Amos,
Kreis Katharine
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.31.1_supplement.639.27
Subject(s) - food security , empowerment , agriculture , population , business , consumption (sociology) , socioeconomics , sustainability , environmental health , geography , economics , economic growth , medicine , biology , ecology , social science , archaeology , sociology
Background Due to the rising cost of and increasing demand for animal source proteins, coupled with increasing food insecurity and environmental pressures, edible insects have emerged as an especially relevant, low‐environmental impact, nutritious food source to feed the growing population in the 21 st century. Objective In collaboration with partnering organizations, this small‐scale pilot study equipped 50 women with the materials to sustainably micro‐farm palm weevil larvae ( Akokono ) to examine the impact on household food security, diet diversity, and women's income and decision‐making. Methods The impact of the micro‐farming pilot was examined at baseline, midline, and endline over a period of 12 weeks using maternal recall of Akokono production and consumption, Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, Household Dietary Diversity Score, Child Dietary Diversity Score, income recall, and Women's Empowerment in Agriculture Indicators. Results The results presented herein represent changes between baseline and midline; analysis of endline results is pending. By midline, 80% of women reported eating Akokono , 80% of women reported feeding Akokono to their family, and 63% of children under five years had eaten Akokono on at least one occasion. Overall, household food security increased, although neither household nor child dietary diversity improved. With respect to women's empowerment indicators, women's income increased. Women's input into decision‐making for cash crops and Akokono farming improved from giving ‘input into some decisions’ to giving ‘input into most decisions.’ Women's input into the use of income generated from these activities increased from ‘no input’ or ‘input into some decisions’ to giving ‘input into most decisions.’ The majority of women who micro‐farmed Akokono consumed their harvest, fed their harvest to their family, and a minority began selling Akokono in the market. Conclusion Akokono farming increased women's involvement in decision‐making of farming activities, women's use of related income, and household food security. Additional research with increased sample size is warranted to confirm understanding of the potential impact of micro‐farming on diet indicators. Greater support is needed to improve women's involvement in Akokono marketing and sale activities. Support or Funding Information This project was supported by a grant from The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA.