Researchers study edible insects to bolster food security in rural Zambia

Reviving the traditional practice of eating insects in rural Zambia could help households improve food security, according to a report from Mongabay on October 29, 2026. Researchers from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa examined how local food culture can address nutrition challenges in the region. [1]

Mongabay reported that researchers John Nyawali and Jasper Knight surveyed 139 rural households in the Central province of Zambia. The study evaluated the types and quantities of insects consumed to understand how broader adoption could support local diets. [1]

Eating insects has long been part of local food traditions in rural Zambia. However, the study notes that the overall potential to enhance food security depends on whether mainstream communities choose to embrace the practice. [1]

Zambia faces recurrent droughts that affect local agricultural production and exacerbate resource shortages. The nation relies heavily on agriculture alongside its main copper mining industry, making alternative food sources vital for rural households facing ongoing economic vulnerabilities. [3]