Reviving Nutrition and Food Security Through Indigenous Insect Consumption: A Case Study of Giant Longhorn Beetle Larvae (Tithoes Confinis) in Morogoro Rural District, Eastern Tanzania

In Morogoro Rural District of Eastern Tanzania, insects consumed as delicacies rather than staple foods. However, with increasing challenges posed by climate change, population growth, and food insecurity, edible insects are gaining renewed attention as sustainable and nutritious alternatives to conventional protein sources. This study investigated the consumption and indigenous knowledge surrounding giant beetle larvae (Tithoes confinis), particularly among the Luguru ethnic group, known for its traditional practices of insect consumption. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2023 to April 2024, involving 385 respondents; 47.3% male (n = 182) and 52.7% female (n = 203) drawn from three villages: Mazizi (53.6%), Mgodini (27.3%), and Maseyu (19.1%). Data collected through structured questionnaire; key informant interviews (KIIs), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and purposive sampling techniques. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests employed to analyze the data, which presented using tables and figures. The results showed a significant association between socio-demographic variables (age, gender, education, and occupation) and the consumption of beetle larvae. Despite the presence of entomophagy traditions, a decline in insect consumption observed, attributed to factors such as western dietary influences, religious beliefs, lack of awareness, and stigma. The study underscores the importance of promoting edible insects by raising public awareness about their nutritional and environmental benefits, preserving indigenous knowledge through education and media, and incorporating insects into mainstream diets. These efforts could enhance food security and support sustainable dietary transitions in Eastern Tanzania and beyond.