While the idea of eating insects may still disgust people and seem primitive, this report makes a lot of sense. If eating insects really could help diminish world hunger, then I would happily say "serve me up a plate of beetles, please!" The UN Food and Agricultural Organisation made a report stating that eating insects could help end world hunger. The first line of the report states "It is widely accepted that by 2050 the world will host 9 billion people. To accomodate this number, current food production will need to almost double." Now, does the idea of insects seem so disgusting anymore? The report then goes on to explain that along with the huge expected population growth, " land is scarce" and " Oceans are overfished and climate change and related water shortages could have profound implications for food production." While it is not a revolutionary concept to consume edible insects, as they have always been a part of the human diet, there has always been a distaste for it, especially in western civilisations. It has been seen as a delicacy or a food group only eaten in dire desperation. However, could it be different? Rearing insects for food, for both developing and developed countries, has environmental advantages. The report states: " Insects offer a significant opportunity to merge traditional knowledge and modern science in both developed and developing countries. " Insects are believed to produce fewer greenhouse gases than other livestock. " Insects can be reared on organic side-streams (including human and animal waste) and can help reduce environmental contamination" How would you feel if production and consumption of insects was not just limited to niche markets, and in fact became a world norm? Let us know what you think. Read the full report for more information.
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