Insect-eating festivals as a tool for promoting entomophagy in Muslim Mindanao
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Abstract
Entomophagy, or the consumption of edible insects, offers a sustainable approach to addressing food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly in marginalized and post-conflict communities. Despite its benefits, cultural resistance and entomophobia hinder broader acceptance. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of insect-eating festivals (IEFs) in promoting awareness and acceptance of entomophagy in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Philippines, a predominantly Muslim region. From 2012 to 2022, as part of an extension program at Mindanao State University, Marawi City, IEFs were organized involving 3,426 participants through superworm Zophobas morio (Fabricius, 1776)-based food tastings, educational lectures, quizzes, and eating challenges. A descriptive research design employing pre- (n = 111; 2017) and post-event (n = 102; 2020) surveys measured changes in knowledge, acceptability, and willingness to consume insects. Survey results showed marked improvements in participants’ willingness to consume insects, with the proportion expressing interest increasing from 35% before the IEF to over 50% after participation. Negative reactions, such as disgust, decreased from 33% to less than 20%, while positive descriptors (e.g., “curious,” “happy”) became more frequent. Sensory exposure—particularly tasting fried Z. morio—combined with educational lectures significantly enhanced acceptability and reduced entomophobia (P < 0.05). Beyond acceptance, insect-based foods offer practical nutritional and economic benefits, such as high-protein, resource-efficient alternatives that can help mitigate food insecurity in BARMM. Cultural contextualization—especially the integration of Islamic dietary norms—further enhanced acceptance, underscoring the potential for halal certification of insect-based products. These results demonstrate that culturally sensitive, community-driven interventions like IEFs can effectively normalize entomophagy and support alternative nutrition strategies in post-conflict settings.
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edible insects, food culture, sustainable food production, university extension programs
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