This GCFSI-funded project is designing an inexpensive tool kit for smallholder farmers in Kenya to raise local varieties of grasshopper and locust, which can be used as a renewable source of protein for non-ruminant livestock.
Animal feed from grasshoppers, Oct. 2017, Smart Farmer Digital
Scientists want insects to be food to tame malnutrition, June 2017, Kenya's uReport
Grasshoppers and locusts as protein-rich baby food, May 2017, Africa.com
Wild-caught protein: Grasshoppers, locusts help curb malnourishment in E. Africa, Feb. 2017, MSU International Studies and Programs News
Project Implementers: John Masani Nduko, Anthony Kingori, Faith Toroitich, James Ondiek, Egerton University, Kenya
Non-ruminant farming (particularly, indigenous chicken, fish, and rabbit) has seen large gains in production yield due to the introduction of intensive management. As a result, the production of these animals for human consumption has played an important role in improving food security in Kenya. However, the rising cost of traditional sources of protein, such as soybeans, cotton seed meal, and sunflower meal, has made the management of these animals unaffordable for smallholder producers. This team is designing an inexpensive tool kit for local smallholder farmers to farm local varieties of grasshopper and locust, which can serve as renewable source of protein for non-ruminant livestock. In addition, the viability of grasshopper- and locust-based human food products are being tested.
The Food Fix
GCFSI blog
Using Design Thinking to Teach Design Thinking
in Malawi
Hubcast, Episode 7
Embracing Innovation to Address COVID-19 in Malawi
The Malawi University of Science and Technology is on the forefront of fighting COVID-19 with the support of MSU
Innovation is Not an Accident
How the Malawi University of Science and Technology built a “culture of innovation”
