Africa’s lucrative, nutritious grasshopper business runs into Western prejudice against eating insects

Africa has been cultivating a profitable and nutritious grasshopper trade, with protein levels on par with meat, as per the FAO. However, the potential for growth is hindered by Western resistance to insect-based foods and a general lack of global food strategies incorporating this alternative. This resistance and data gap are critical issues because sustainable food sources are increasingly important in the face of global population growth and environmental challenges. The reluctance to adopt grasshoppers as a mainstream food could be a missed opportunity for innovation in sustainable eating.