Knowledge and Consumption Pattern of <i>Cirina Forda</i> (Westwood) Larva in Two Local Government Areas of Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Insects have served as food for people for thousands of years worldwide. However, a decline is observed in insect consumption in communities where it used to be popular.

Objective: The study aimed at assessing consumption pattern of Cirina forda larva in two Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Oyo State, Nigeria, where its consumption is popular.

Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional study involving 502 respondents randomly selected from Saki East and Iseyin LGAs was carried out. Pre-tested, semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on the larva from the respondents. Data was analysed using frequencies, percentages and means.

Results: Mean age of respondents was 46.3±16.4 years, 99.8% were aware of existence of C. forda larva, and all had consumed it before. Majority (81.9%) of respondents consumed the larva within the past 2 years, 78.9% consumed it often. The larva was consumed either in roasted/dried (35.4%) or boiled/fried (35.9%) forms. However, 74.9% preferred its consumption as condiment in soups. Reasons for its consumption included: food habit and custom (29.7%), flavour/taste (17.0%), nutrition/health benefits (17.2%), and food  habits/economic benefits (11.6%). About half (58.9%) of respondents did not know the nutritional/health benefits of C. forda. Its consumption is not affected by religion (99.8%) and traditional belief/myth (99.0%) but by availability.

Conclusion: Major limitations to consumption of C. forda larva are scarcity and inadequate knowledge on its nutritional/health benefits. There is need for public enlightenment on health-promoting benefits of the insect larva to promote its consumption.

Keywords: Entomophagy, Cirina forda larva, Consumption pattern, Nutritional benefits.