Entomophagy in Myanmar : factors influencing edible insect consumption behavior

As the world population rapidly increases, food security and malnutrition are becoming ever more significant concerns, as well as challenges to achieving sustainable development. These global problems are exacerbated by other persistent factors, such as decreased arable land, water scarcity, and changing climatic conditions. Edible insects promise an alternative protein source with fewer land and water requirements, as well as lower greenhouse gas emissions than conventional animal husbandry. Thus, the concept of entomophagy—consuming insects as food—has become particularly important. One country with a long history of consuming insects is Myanmar, yet where the problem of chronic malnutrition also persists. The growing significance of entomophagy has drawn the attention of researchers recently. However, the paucity of existing research into the topic of entomophagy makes it difficult to understand people's behavior regarding eating edible insects as well as their motives and aversions, particularly in the local culture of Myanmar. This knowledge gap emphasizes the need for consumer studies of edible insects; thus, this dissertation examines people’s behavior towards entomophagy to understand the current and future prospects, specifically in Myanmar. <br /> Data collection was conducted through telephone interviews, acquiring 872 respondents. The conceptual framework was based on the extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Randall and Sanjur’s food consumption model. Consumer acceptance and consumption frequency of edible insects were explored using Poisson regression with sample selection analysis (Heckpoisson model). With the help of structural equation modelling analysis, consumption intention towards edible insects and reared crickets were then predicted. <br /> Results revealed that 67% were already insect consumers, indicating that entomophagy is pervasive. Consumer acceptance towards edible insects as food was 67%—a moderately high percentage in Myanmar, where consumption frequency is occasional. Twenty-three (23) types of edible insects have been documented, where crickets, bamboo worms, and bees were identified as the most eaten and preferred among them. Consumer acceptance was found to be influenced by ethnicity, religion, opinion towards entomophagy, insect phobia, nutritional properties, social concerns, and discomfort. Meanwhile, consumption frequency was influenced by respondents’ income, ethnicity, family size, taste, smell, and safety concerns. There was a significant positive effect of attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control on consumption intentions towards edible insects. Environmental concern, however, had a significant negative impact. On the other hand, consumption intention towards reared crickets was directly influenced by consumers’ attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and trust in producers. At the same time, it was indirectly influenced by consumer knowledge about the environmental friendliness of cricket farming. <br /> Being the first consumer analysis in Myanmar, this research supported the appropriateness of TPB as well as Randall and Sanjur’s food consumption model for analyzing insect consumption behavior. This study also highlighted the importance of raising public awareness of the benefits of entomophagy, creating a positive impression, and reducing social fears about insect consumption. Providing novel insect-based foods, such as flour, could boost consumption. A gradual shift from mere collection to insect farming would improve the all-year availability of edible insects and reduce the difficulties consumers face in accessing them. As trust in producers is the new key predictor, insect producers should build public trust by bringing transparency to the cricket production process, thereby achieving a more favorable attitude towards reared insects, leading to higher consumption levels. Government and non-governmental organizations are recommended to hold public fora to raise public awareness on the environmental and health benefits of consuming edible insects. Furthermore, the government should set good manufacturing practices for edible insects to ensure food safety,and the actors along the value chain should prioritize food safety by following laid-down policies.