The need for nutritious and protein-rich food sources is growing especially in developing countries. Ruspolia differens is among the most consumed edible insects in East Africa where its consumption has multiple health, environmental, economic and social benefits for the rural communities. It is harvested at night with strong lights and the yield per light-harvesting station can be up to 800–1000 kg per night. However, there are widespread reports of declines in harvest yields in recent years. The goal of this project is to improve understanding of R. differens harvesting effort, yield, and source populations, and to develop a sustainable management and conservation plan for R. differens.

2023

2026