Protein is slipping out of reach for millions. Experts say insects—long eaten in parts of Nigeria—could offer a sustainable, affordable, and nutritious way to close the gap.
Protein is a significant—yet expensive—class of food for many Nigerians. Its deficiency is responsible for 50–60% of cases of mortality among under-five children.
Peter Goddey, a Port Harcourt-based father of four, bemoans the shrinking value of proteins amidst rampant inflation. “N1000 meat cannot feed a family,” he says. For Goddey and his household, satisfying hunger takes more priority than balancing nutrition.
His reality resonates with millions of Nigerians, for whom protein sufficiency is becoming a luxury.
About 35 million Nigerian children under five suffer stunting and wasting, linked to insufficient protein. The Global Hunger Index 2024 ranked Nigeria 110 out of 127 countries, describing the situation as “serious.”
Meat, which was once a staple, is now served only on weekends or during festive occasions.
Fish, another animal type of protein, has not fared any better: FAO reports that Nigeria’s fish deficit exceeds 2.5 million metric tonnes annually, leaving imports to plug the gap at prices most families cannot afford.
The case for edible insects
In response, some experts are turning to an unlikely source: insects. Crickets, grasshoppers, palm weevil larvae, termites, and caterpillars have long been part of traditional diets in pockets of Nigeria, particularly in rural areas. But the idea of positioning them as mainstream protein sources is controversial.
Godswill Okoro, an agriculturist and data analyst, believes insects hold immense untapped promise. “Crickets and grasshoppers, called Orthopterans, have very high protein levels of about 53 to 70 % compared to beef and fish,” he explains.
Caterpillars and termites are excellent iron sources, useful in tackling anaemia. Palm weevil larvae, while lower in protein, are rich in healthy unsaturated fats and energy.
Beyond being a source of protein, insects offer micronutrients such as zinc, calcium, and B vitamins, which are deficient in carbohydrate-centred diets. They also produce heart-friendly unsaturated fats.
Safety concerns, however, abound. “Insects, due to their lifestyle, come in contact with contaminants such as microbes, heavy metals or even pesticides,” Okoro remarks, explaining that farming them in controlled environments can mitigate these risks.
With standard checks and regulations, insect protein could reach the market as safe and reliable as chicken or beef.
Economics of insect farming
Compared with livestock production, insect farming demands fewer resources. Insects’ conversion rate into protein is more efficient than cows, chickens, or fish, making them cost-effective.
With the rising unemployment rate in Nigeria, insect farming presents a low-barrier entry point for small- and medium-scale entrepreneurs.
He revealed that start-up costs are also fair. Unlike high-stakes poultry farming, insects can be raised in stackable containers under controlled conditions. Their short life cycles will also result in quick turnover, ensuring steady supply and income.
“Due to its low initial or start-up cost, it is a viable option for small- and medium-scale farming in tropical climes. But as does every business, it would require adequate planning and training,” Okoro explained, noting that tropical climates like Nigeria’s are particularly favourable.
Countries such as Singapore, the Netherlands, and even parts of the United States are investing heavily in insect protein, both as whole foods and as processed ingredients for snacks, protein powders, and animal feed. Nigeria, with its rich soil, biodiversity and entrepreneurial energy, could carve a niche in this emerging market if it acts early.
Cultural Perceptions
But economics alone cannot overcome cultural perception. Insects in Nigeria are often dismissed as dirty or associated with poverty. Goddey admits he grew up believing beans were a protein replacement for meat and never seriously considered insects. “I think insects are unwanted animals to kill. In those days we ate crickets, but not anymore because we live in the city,” he recalls.
Ironically, insects have always been part of Nigerian diets in certain communities. Termites, known as “chinge” in Hausa, “Aku”, in Igbo and “Esusu” in Yoruba are roasted during rainy seasons and are relished in every part of the country.
Grasshoppers and crickets are seasonal delicacies as well. Palm weevil larvae are common snacks in the South. These traditions suggest cultural acceptance is not entirely absent but fragmented and unacknowledged.
Experts argue that intentionally framing insects as modern, processed foods could boost the acceptance among people.
The agenda-setting theory, which proposes that the media influences public opinion and priorities by selecting and emphasising certain issues or topics over others, can be adopted as a key strategy to increase acceptance.
Protein bars wrapped with cricket flour or pastries enriched with insect protein could normalize consumption, especially among the younger, urban population. Gen Z’s may reject a roasted grasshopper, but not bread made with cricket flour.
Edible insects for sustainability
In addition to nutrition and economics, insect protein aligns with global sustainability development goals.
Livestock production contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water use. Insects, by contrast, require minimal resources and emit far fewer greenhouse gases, thereby creating a safer planet.
Their feed conversion rate is an added advantage: crickets need six times less feed than cattle and twice less than pigs to produce the same amount of protein.
“Additionally, insects are also good waste recyclers; this contributes to environmental sustainability,” Okoro adds.
They can thrive on organic waste, converting discarded food into high-quality protein. This will address food waste challenges and also reduce environmental pollution. Since Nigeria still struggles with poor waste management, insect farming could offer dual benefits: nutrition and environmental cleanup.
If insect protein will move from overlooked potential to mainstream reality, Nigeria must create enabling policies.
Okoro highlighted three urgent needs: access to finance, training for farmers, and a food safety framework tailored to insect production. Without regulations, the risks of contamination and public distrust will persist. “I also think funding more research about insects would also help,” he added.
That makes research funding another gap. While universities and research institutes have explored insect biology, few have investigated large-scale farming systems or market integration. Collaboration between government, academia, and private investors will be beneficial.
Public awareness campaigns are very necessary. Nigerians need to understand that insects are not “poverty food” but sustainable, nutritious, and affordable protein alternatives.
Nigeria’s “Eat What You Grow” campaign can spread her tentacles to include insect-based foods in her plans. This, supported by endorsements from nutritionists and influencers, will pave the way.
What then is the fate of insects in both local diets and export markets? Locally, integration into existing foods seems the most realistic entry point. Okoro pointed that, “locally, the easiest way I think this would work is integrating it as processed ingredients into diets.”
Cricket flour in bread, snacks, or noodles may gain traction faster than whole roasted insects. For exports, demand already exists in Asia and Europe. Nigeria’s competitive advantage lies in increasing production and ensuring compliance with international safety standards to avoid disease outbreaks.
Can Nigeria redirect its food narrative?
Protein sufficiency has long been equated with meat, fish, and milk. Challenging that norm requires awareness, innovation, investment and trust.
Indeed, edible insects may not immediately replace meat or fish, but they could complement them, ensuring that Nigerian families have access to the protein they desperately need. In time, however, it could become entreched in every Nigerian family.
Protein deficiency is a major concern in Nigeria, contributing to high mortality rates among children due to its high cost and inflation. This issue is compounded by shortages in meat and fish supplies. Experts suggest edible insects, traditionally consumed in some Nigerian communities, as a promising alternative. Insects like crickets, grasshoppers, termites, and caterpillars are high in protein and other nutrients, making them a sustainable and affordable option. Despite safety concerns regarding contamination, these can be mitigated through controlled farming.
Insect farming presents an economically viable opportunity due to its efficient resource use and low startup costs, appealing to small-scale entrepreneurs. Countries like Singapore and the Netherlands are already investing in insect protein, positioning it as both whole foods and processed ingredients, suggesting potential for Nigeria in this emerging market. However, cultural perceptions of insects as food need to be addressed through strategic marketing and media influence.
Sustainably, insect farming aligns with global goals as it involves lower greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation impacts compared to traditional livestock farming. Insects also help reduce food waste and pollution by recycling organic waste. For success, Nigeria needs policy support, financial access, farmer training, and food safety regulations. Integrating insect protein into familiar food products and robust public awareness efforts could foster acceptance and help combat protein deficiency, reshaping Nigeria's food landscape and opening opportunities for exports.
