Econometrics of Domestication of the African Palm Weevil (<em>Rhynchophorus phoenicis</em> F.) Production as Small-Scale Business in Ghana

A reconnaissance survey of the domestication of the African palm weevil (APW) (Rhynchophorus phoenicis), which produces the edible larvae that are cherished as a delicacy among many tribes in Ghana, was conducted. Out of a total number of 560 semi-trained farmers, 271 (48.39%) were actively engaged in R. phoenicis farming near their homes or gardens, while 289 (51.61%) were non-active. Economic viability analyses showed that the active farmers would break even and repay their loans of GH¢1000 when they produce 3020 larvae at unit selling price of GH¢0.33, within a period of 4 months and 7 days (17 weeks). In a year, a farmer would have three production cycles and generate a total revenue of GH¢3018.79, at average monthly production of 755 edible larvae, net cash availability of GH¢1448.79, and projected net profit of GH¢448.79 in the first year of production. The farmer would make more profit and become wealthy in business in subsequent years. The pilot scheme of palm weevil farming was viable and ameliorated poverty and malnutrition of rural farmers in Ghana

Use of the Triple-Layer Hermetic Bag against the Maize Weevil, Sitophilus Zeamais (Mots) in Three Varieties of Maize

Maize ranks with wheat and rice as one of the world’s chief grain crops. However, the safety of this important food crop is threatened by pests such as insects, rodents and moulds which results from inappropriate storage methods. Insect pest infestation accounts for about 20-50% of all food crop losses. This study was carried under ambient laboratory conditions of 32± 2oC and 72-88% r.h to determine the effectiveness of the triple-layer hermetic bag in controlling the maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais (Mot) on three varieties of maize (Obatampa, Abrodenkye and Kamangkpong). Five (5) kilograms of each variety with three replicates were infested with 50 S. zeamais and stored for three (3) months in three different types of bags (hermetic, Polypropylene and Jute). Destructive sampling was done monthly to determine the moisture content, viability of each variety and weight loss after storage. Percentage damage of grain due to S. zeamais was assessed on the different types of storage bags. The results show that the high yielding Obatampa was more susceptible to S. zeamais than the two local varieties; Abrodenkye and Kamangkpong. Damage, weight loss and germination rates were significantly (p  higher in the polypropylene and jute bags than the hermetic bags. These were also dependent on the length of storage. The triple-layer hermetic bags were effective against S. zeamais and could be used for storage of maize. Keywords: Maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais; Triple-layer hermetic bag; Polypropylene; Jute

Acceptability and feasibility of insect consumption among pregnant women in Liberia

Maternity waiting homes (MWHs) in Liberia promote facility‐based delivery to reduce maternal mortality. However, women often must bring their own food and supplies to MWHs, which makes food insecurity a barrier to the utilisation of MWHs. Consumption of edible indigenous insects is a common practice and has notable nutritional benefits but has not been studied in Liberia as a potential solution to food insecurity at MWHs. The purpose of this study is to (a) examine the acceptability of insect consumption in the context of Liberian beliefs, (b) identify species commonly consumed by pregnant women in Liberia, and (c) examine the feasibility of harvesting insects as food and income generation for women staying at MWHs. Focus groups were conducted at 18 healthcare facilities in Liberia. Participants included chiefs, community leaders, women of reproductive age, traditional birth attendants, women staying at MWHs, and male partners. Focus group participants identified many different species of insects consumed by pregnant women in the community as well as the perceived health impacts of insect consumption. They also described their own experiences with insect hunting and consumption and the perceived marketability of insects, particularly palm weevil larvae. The results of these discussions demonstrate that insect consumption is an acceptable practice for pregnant women in rural Liberia. These findings suggest that it is feasible to further explore the use of palm weevil larvae as dietary supplementation and income generation for women staying at MWHs in Liberia.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/155915/1/mcn12990_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/155915/2/mcn12990.pd

Global Advances on Insect Pest Management Research in Oil Palm

Here, we review the advances in research on management of key oil palm insect pests globally, including defoliators, leaf/fruit scrapers, borers and sap feeders. The common oil palm pest management methods include synthetic insecticides, biopesticides, semiochemical lures, cultural practices, and integrated approaches. However, effectiveness, affordability, availability and impact of these methods on human and environmental health vary considerably based on the target insect and geographical location. The use of quarantine regulations to prevent the spread of invasive pests has also been applied with remarkable results. There are notable research advances in semiochemicals, bioacoustic detectors, nanotechnology, insect growth regulators, and entomophagy for better management of oil palm pests. We suggest the following research areas for improving effectiveness of oil palm pest management interventions: (i) exploration of semiochemical attractants for the majority of pests with no previous semiochemical work, and their integration in attract-and-kill devices laced with pathogenic microbes; (ii) expanding the application of digital sensing, predictive modeling and nano-technology in pest control strategies; (iii) developing effective technologies for mass trapping of edible insect pests for food or feed, especially among communities with a tradition of entomophagy; and (iv) strengthening regulatory frameworks for the management of quarantine oil palm insect pests

Sustainable palm weevil farming as nutrition supplementation at maternity waiting homes in Liberia

Abstract Background Food insecurity is a global health challenge exacerbated by COVID-19. In Liberia, two-thirds of pregnant women are anemic, one-third of children are stunted, and 70% of households experienced food insecurity due to COVID-19. Edible insects are a nutritious, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective dietary supplement used throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Rearing palm weevil insects at maternity waiting homes (MWHs)—residential dwellings near hospitals where pregnant women await childbirth and receive postpartum services—could serve as a nutritious supplement for expectant mothers in Liberia and provide an income generating activity for MWHs. Methods Following a one-day training, sixteen participants established palm weevil rearing sites at four MWHs in Liberia. Pre- and post-knowledge scores were assessed immediately prior to and following training. Pre-and post-knowledge scores were analyzed using paired t-test. Participants tracked two palm weevil rearing cycles (four months), using harvest amounts, turnover, barriers to implementation, and income generated as metrics. The number of women attending MWHs was recorded throughout the study period (July-December 2020). Results Sixteen participants from four MWHs completed the training and two rearing cycles (four months) successfully. All participants showed statistically significant increases in knowledge scores following the one-day workshop with a pre-test score of 2.31 and post-test score of 7.75 out of 10 (p < 0.001). Over the 6-month study, 217 women stayed in four MWHs. Larval production from the various rearing centers ranged from 120 to 721 larvae, with all four sites producing enough palm weevil to sustain MWH residents who desired to consume the insects. One site successfully commercialized its harvest to sell approximately 50% for a total of 2,000 LD (13 USD) in income. Three of the four sites continued edible insect production beyond the four-month study period. Conclusions An edible insect project using palm weevil larva is one promising intervention as a nutrition supplement for expectant mothers at pre-established MWHs in rural Liberia. Edible insect rearing also has potential as an income generating activity for MWHs. Future studies should focus on addressing common barriers of remote implementation and metric tracking during the COVID-19 pandemic and reinforcing infrastructure to protect larvae rearing supplies.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/173516/1/12889_2022_Article_13706.pd