Influence of Gender Integration on The Utilization of Edible Insects for Food and Nutrition Security.

In Western Kenya, insects have historically been consumed more as a delicacy than a primary nutritional source. With the growing popularity of Entomophagy as an alternative protein and the challenges posed by climate change and declining food production, there is a renewed interest in edible insects as a sustainable and efficient protein solution. Notably, there are prevailing gendered views on insect consumption in these communities. For instance, while women and children have embraced this delicacy, many adult males have reservations. This study delved into gender dynamics around the consumption and production of edible insects, with a focus on Bungoma County a region with a longstanding tradition of insect consumption. Given the scant literature on this subject, the research aimed to deepen the understanding of how gender roles, knowledge levels, and decision-making power influence the use of insects for nutrition and food security. Data was collected from 384 Bungoma farming households, constituting 78% of the county's farming demographic, using questionnaires, interviews, and purposive sampling techniques. Descriptive, Chi-square test of associations and the Kruskal-Wallis H test were used in quantitative analysis whose findings were presented in tables and figures. Thematic coding was applied in analysis of qualitative data. Key findings revealed that gender had no significant influence on utilization of edible insects for food and nutrition security (H (1) = 2.726, P=0.099). Gender-based decision making was found to have significant influence on the utilization of edible insects for food and nutrition security (H (2) = 6.821, P=0.033). Gender-based knowledge was also found to significantly influence the utilization of edible insects for food and nutrition security (H (1) = 3.963, P= 0.047). The study's findings underscore the need for community awareness programs to alter perceptions of insects as mere complements to diets. To bolster this, counties should ensure accessible nutritional information and prioritization of gender-inclusive approaches in promoting entomophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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