Author(s)

Angundji Yumbi Chérif^1,2*, Muhigwa Bahananga Jean-Berckmans², Manga Tshomba Joseph³, Dieudonné Cikwanine², Murhabale Cisirika Bertin²

¹Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of the Mid-Lualaba of Kalima, Kalima, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
²Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Official University of Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
³Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, University of Kindu, Kindu, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

This is an investigation of the factors that influence the consumption of palm weevil larvae (Rhynchophorus) and other insects, as well as related practices in the Maniema region, Eastern DRC. These insect larvae are preferred fresh (90.3%) and eaten mainly with cornmeal (69%), and cassava pasta or rice (28.8%). Besides palm weevils, other insects are also eaten, to a much lesser degree; notably termites (84.7%), caterpillars (75.3%), rhinoceros beetles (14.7%), crickets (0.7%), and grasshoppers (4%). There is a correlation between the consumption of various insects and meats, as well as notable geographical disparities between the urban municipalities, particularly in terms of sourcing patterns and the intensity of entomophagy and meat consumption, both of which are expensive commodities. A more favorable socio-economic situation in the city center is accompanied by more intense insect-consumption, and purchasing (84.9%) vs. gathering (15.1%). Gathering is also typical of rural and suburban communities in this forest environment. In contrast with findings elsewhere, insect-eating in Kindu city is more intensive among the rich and the middle class and the more educated people, as well as in wealthier neighborhoods.

Palm Weevils, Entomophagy, Factors

Chérif, A.Y., Jean-Berckmans, M.B., Joseph, M.T., Cikwanine, D. and Bertin, M.C. (2025) Entomophagy Factors: The Consumption of Palm Weevil Larvae in Maniema Households. Open Access Library Journal, 12, 1-26. doi: 10.4236/oalib.1113682.