International Research Journal of Innovations in Engineering and Technology - IRJIET International Open Access, Monthly, Peer Reviewed, Reputed Journal ISSN (online): 2581-3048

Impact Factor (2025): 6.9

DOI Prefix: 10.47001/IRJIET

Food Policies in Kenya: Policy Constraints and Opportunities in the Edible Insect Value Chain for Improved Nutrition and Food Security

Abstract

Food security for an ever-growing population is a challenge especially in most developing countries. Insects have proven to be an alternative protein and micronutrient source to human diet. However, Insects are still recorded in most governmental Acts as pests or food contaminants, these records affect consumer perception on the novel food. At the moment, there seems to be no clear policies in the Agricultural sector supportive of insect farming. This study investigated policy constraints on edible insect value chain and explored opportunities to formulate favourable policies for edible insects farming. The research focused at the 4 segments of the edible insects’ value chain and relevant agricultural related policies that would promote the use of insects as food and feed leading to food security in Kenya. Advocacy research design was used. Fischer’s formula determined the sample size and purposive sampling for study participant selection; data collection tool was interview schedules. The data was analysed using statistical package for social scientists (SPSS) version 26. Findings on constraints: inadequate production materials, inadequate insect training personnel, poor insect processing techniques, inadequate value addition to the insect, poor insect market systems and slaughtering of insects. Opportunities are that when policy makers address these constraints: consumer acceptability will be increased, improved market for insects and increased insect farming. These opportunities will lead to improved food security.

Country : Kenya

1 M. K. Chizanga2 C. O. Gor3 M. Orinda

  1. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 210-40601, Bondo, Kenya
  2. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 210-40601, Bondo, Kenya
  3. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 210-40601, Bondo, Kenya

IRJIET, Volume 6, Issue 1, January 2022 pp. 138-145

doi.org/10.47001/IRJIET/2022.601024

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