New cookbook shows the pivotal role of edible insects in reducing the world’s carbon footprint
Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe, October 26, 2023 – The global food industry is at a crossroads, with approximately one-third of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions attributed to the production and consumption of food. Edible insects from Africa can play a pivotal role in reducing the global carbon footprint, as showcased in the Edible Insects: Food for the Future cookbook, launching today.
Photo: Eugene Noube
This groundbreaking initiative is spearheaded by the AgriFoSe2030 project “Edible insects’ production and trade in Zimbabwe”, led by Chinhoyi University of Technology in Zimbabwe.
“We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Edible Insects: Food for the Future cookbook, an exciting culinary exploration of the world of edible insects and their role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come,” said Robert Musundire, the project leader and an associate professor of entomology in the Department of Crop Science and Post-Harvest Technology at Chinhoyi University of Technology, Zimbabwe.
The Edible Insects: Food for the Future cookbook continues the journey of the first cookbook, Secrets of African Edible Insect Cookery, which was launched in 2021 alongside another edible insect cookbook, Les Delices de Mikese, developed through the combined efforts of L’Association des Femmes d’Affaires du Congo in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), and the sustainable development consultancy agency, BKind Konsult AB. This new cookbook has been updated and expanded to include new recipes, preparation techniques, and information on insect farming practices.
Increased knowledge on the creative ways edible insects can be incorporated into dishes can also increase food security for over 2 billion people across the globe and create an avenue for stakeholders to participate in a value chain that is worth over USD 3.2 billion, according to Mordor Intelligence (2023). This innovative cookbook sheds light on the sustainable, nutritious, and environmentally friendly potential of incorporating edible insects into our diets.
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.
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.
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 (SLU), 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
