Food and AgricultureNobel Conference 59 | Resources
Every day we humans eat, yet most of us spend little time considering where our food came from. Insects play a significant part in producing our food; at least 75% of our food crops are pollinated by insects, for instance. For a growing number of people in the world, insects are also a part of their diet. Why do some cultures turn up their noses at the thought of eating insects, while others consider insects a delicacy or a nutritional necessity? The resources below explore some of the ways insects feed us–directly and indirectly.
EATING BUGS with Julie Lesnik This Ologies Podcast with Alie Ward features an interview with Nobel Conference speaker Dr. Julie Lesnik. The conversation explores the sustainability of eating insects compared to other organisms.
Termites a Delicacy for Luhya In this Kenyan community, termites play an important role in both diet and income for many people.
The Bug That Saved California A Smithsonian Magazine article documents how an insect saved the production of oranges in California, putting a spotlight on how insects benefit agriculture.
The Importance of Insects in Agricultural Ecosystems An article from the journal Advances in Entomology, “Examines the important role insects generally play in ecosystems and how the services insects provide can improve agricultural ecosystems.”
The Buzzy Edible Insect Trend is Gaining Traction in the West A piece in Modern Farmer explores the “new popularity” of insect-eating. The main challenge of eating insects? Psychological.
Are Insects Wildlife? It turns out the answer is “it depends on which state you live in.” And that answer is crucial for determining whether or not they can be protected by conservation efforts.
Invasive Insect Species: Global Challenges, Strategies & Opportunities This article from Frontiers discusses the challenges and prevention strategies related to invasive insects.