Insects for sustainable animal feed: inclusive business models involving smallholder farmers

Abstract

Global population growth, an increasing demand for animalproducts and scarcity of conventional feed ingredients drivethe search for alternative protein sources for animal feed.Extensive research indicates that insects provide goodopportunities as a sustainable, high quality and low-costcomponent of animal feed. Here, we discuss how insectfarming can promote inclusive business for smallholder farmersin the agribusiness value chain. Inclusive business modelsinvolving insects as ingredients in feed may contribute tosolving socio-economic and environmental problems indeveloping countries, aligning with the United Nations’Sustainable Development Goals. With low initial capitalinvestments, smallholder insect farmers have goodopportunities to increase productivity, improve their livelihoodand contribute to food security and a circular economy