Developing mass rearing technology for the highly valued edible grasshopper, Ruspolia differens

Research summary

Edible insects as food for humans is fast gaining global recognition as a key driver to underpin developmental efforts for addressing the interrelated challenges of food security, poverty, nutrition and climate change. However, technologies to ensure sustainable supply of edible insects to meet the increasing demand are not available. This project is aimed to develop a sustainable technology for mass rearing a highly popular and valuable grasshopper (Ruspolia differens) in eastern Africa based on ecological and biological knowhow, and to roll out the knowledge and skills to local communities.

Description

Research info

Research title
Developing mass rearing technology for the highly valued edible grasshopper, Ruspolia differens

Research timeline
1.9.2015 - 1.8.2019

Keywords
edible insects food security mass production techniques

Region
Africa

Countries
Finland, Uganda

Institution
University of Eastern Finland
Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences
Joensuu, Finland

Funding instrument
Academy of Finland

Head of research
Heikki Roininen

Research team
Heikki Roininen, Anu Valtonen, Geoffrey Malinga, Philip Nyeko, Vilma Lehtovaara, Robert Opoke, Karlmax Rutaro, Riitta Julkunen-Tiitto, Tommi Nyman, Okia A. Clement, Francis Omujal, Stefan T. Jaronski, Paul Vantomme

Partners
University of Eastern Finland, Makerere University, World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF), Natural Chemotherapeutics Research Institute, (NCRI), United State Department of Agriculture (USDA), FAO

Contact information
Heikki Roininen
+358-50-4423427
heikki.roininen@uef.fi
Open link

Record last updated
25.8.2017