Launch of the Edible Insects: Food for the Future cookbook: empowering Zimbabwe's women and youth in sustainable insect-based food production
Chinhoyi, October 26, 2023 — In a step towards a sustainable future, the ‘Edible insects’ production and trade in Zimbabwe’ project led by Chinhoyi University of Technology in Zimbabwe and funded by the AgriFoSe2030 programme announces the release of the Edible Insects: Food for the Future cookbook. This project’s mission is to empower women and young people in Zimbabwe to sustainably operate insect businesses, producing safe and nutritious insect-based food to support economic development.
Photo: Eugene Noube
The project, which began its journey with the launch of its first cookbook, Secrets of African Edible Insect Cookery, has made significant strides in enabling women and youth to actively participate in the development of the insect value chain. The project team is committed to fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable business ventures in insect farming and insect-based food production, with a special focus on women and young individuals. This initiative aims to provide opportunities for personal and economic growth to traditionally marginalized groups.
The second cookbook, Edible Insects: Food for the Future, has been updated and expanded to include new recipes, preparation techniques, and information on insect farming practices. It offers a wealth of knowledge to both aspiring and experienced insect farmers and chefs, serving as an essential guide to harnessing the potential of edible insects in Zimbabwe.
"Southern Africa has an incredible wealth of biodiversity, and edible insects present a fantastic opportunity for sustainable food production. By expanding our efforts to empower women and youth, we hope to create a thriving insect-based food industry that can make a significant positive impact on nutrition, livelihoods and the economic development of the nation," said Robert Musundire, the project leader and associate professor of entomology in the Department of Crop Science and Post-Harvest Technology at Chinhoyi University of Technology, Zimbabwe.
Join the virtual launch event
To celebrate the release of the second cookbook in this series, the project team will be hosting a virtual launch event on Thursday, 26 October 2023 at 10:00 CET. The event will feature cooking demonstrations, insights from industry experts, and success stories from women and youth who have benefited from the project.
The AgriFoSe2030 programme, the driving force behind this culinary revolution, has been committed to enhancing the understanding of sustainable agriculture and food security in sub-Saharan Africa and in south and southeast Asia.
For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact:
Prof. Robert Musundire, Associate Professor of Entomology, Department of Crop Science and Post-Harvest Technology, Chinhoyi University of Technology, +26 3778601918, rmusundire1978@gmail.com
Ng’endo Machua-Muniu – Communications Lead, AgriFoSe2030, +46 703 16 80 30, ngendo.machua@sei.org
Ulrika Lamberth, Senior Press Officer, Stockholm Environment Institute, + 46 73 801 70 53, ulrika.lamberth@sei.org
About AgriFoSe2030
Agriculture for Food Security 2030 (AgriFoSe2030) is a collaborative, multi-stakeholder programme aiming to support sustainable smallholder farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and in South and Southeast (SE) Asia. The programme works across four identified cross-disciplinary challenges: safe and nutritious food systems, the crucial role of smallholder farmers, agricultural productivity and ecosystem services, and science-based extension services. A key focus is on building researchers’ capacity to translate research into knowledge relevant for policymakers and practitioners. AgriFoSe2030 is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), led by a consortium made up of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lund University, Linköping University and Stockholm Environment Institute. More information available at: www.slu.se/agrifose
Stockholm Environment Institute is an international non-profit research and policy organization that tackles environment and development challenges. We connect science and decision-making to develop solutions for a sustainable future for all. Across our eight centres in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, we engage with policy processes, development action and business practice throughout the world. www.sei.org @SEIresearch @SEIclimate
