Food experts are now urging Kenyans to turn to edible insects in the wake of a raging debate over Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
On Tuesday, November 22, Kenya Nutritionists and Dieticians Institute (KNDI) CEO Dr David Okeyo argued edible insects are a good alternative food source.
“We are struggling with hidden hunger, we think insects can be alternative source for proteins,” the CEO advised.
He was speaking at KNDI symposium held in Nairobi on Tuesday, November 22, 2022.
Kenya is set to import GMO maize because of persistent drought and famine that has threatened the nation’s food security.
Okeyo noted that Kenyans in arid and semi-arid areas should instead consider insects which are cheap and readily available.
He added that the insects can be supplemented with drought resistant food crops.
Okeyo’s remarks were corroborated by Fabio Santoni, a resident scientist at Italian Embassy to Kenya.
“There are insects that are edible and Kenyans should change their mind and embrace them as a source of food,” Santoni remarked.
The scientist though warned Kenyans to be careful with the insects they will consume as some are harmful.
Dr John Kariuki, the Director of Slow Food Kenya added that eating insects was a measure of diversifying production mechanisms.
“We are encouraging communities to diversify what they are growing, what they are eating and what they are marketing,” he explained.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE
