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International Journal of Pure & Applied Bioscience (IJPAB)
Year : 2018, Volume : 6, Issue : 5
First page : (718) Last page : (724)
Article doi: : http://dx.doi.org/10.18782/2320-6782

A Survey on Entomophagy Practice of the Armoured Cricket (Acanthoplus discoidalis) in Mashonaland Central, Zimbabwe

Mugova A. K.¹*, Zvidzai C. J.¹, Musundire R.²

¹Department of Food Science and Technology, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Off Magamba Way, Private Bag 7724, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe;
²Department of Crop Science and Postharvest Technology, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Off Magamba Way, Private Bag 7724, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe
*Corresponding Author E-mail: kmugova@cut.ac.zw
Received: 9.08.2018  |  Revised: 15.09.2018   |  Accepted: 22.09.2018

 ABSTRACT

Entomophargy of different insect species is practiced throughout Zimbabwe. The baseline survey study carried out in this research was done in order to document entomophagy of the armoured cricket (Acanthoplus discoidalis) which is practiced in Mbire District of Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe. Information that includes harvesting technique, preparation and preservation of the armoured cricket in this district was collected. Forty six households that consumed the armoured cricket were identified using the snow ball sampling technique. From these, 91 respondents were interviewed. Data collected was encoded and analysed using SPSS. Most of the respondents 60.4% were females, and most of the respondents were of the >45 age group. It was observed that 72.5% of the respondents consumed A. discoidalis as a relish substituting meat whilst 19.8% consumed it for enjoyment purposes as a snack. The insects were observed to be predominantly harvested by handpicking from the wild. A series of boiling stages would then follow prior to degutting. After this the insects were shallow fried and the consumed as a substitute to meat or as a snack. Other insects are consumed in Mbire District for example, winged and soldier termites, but these are not consumed as frequently as the armoured cricket. Since this insect is a popular food resource for the locals, the nutritional value and health risks associated with the insect should be studied.

Key words: Entomophagy, Acanthoplus discoidalis, Harvesting, Preperation

Full Text : PDF; Journal doi : http://dx.doi.org/10.18782

Cite this article: Mugova, A.K., Zvidzai, C.J. and Musundire, R., A Survey on Entomophagy Practice of the Armoured Cricket (Acanthoplus discoidalis) in Mashonaland Central, Zimbabwe, Int. J. Pure App. Biosci.6(5): 718-724 (2018). doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.18782/2320-7051.6782