Research
I am interested in the practice of collecting and eating insects from a behavioural ecological perspective. I chose to pursue this line of research because I think that knowledge of entomophagy can contribute to our understanding of human evolution, and also has the potential to create positive change in the global food system.
As a food item exploited by a diverse range of human communities on every continent, insects and associated foraging practices are likely to have important implications for understanding both past and contemporary human behavioural ecology.
As a low-risk protein source, insects may be crucial to understanding the foraging behaviour of women and children in past and present small-scale societies.
As living resources that are currently experiencing rapid changes in management practices, monitoring the process of insect domestication may help shed light on the nature of domestication itself.
As a food item exploited by a diverse range of human communities on every continent, insects and associated foraging practices are likely to have important implications for understanding both past and contemporary human behavioural ecology.
As a low-risk protein source, insects may be crucial to understanding the foraging behaviour of women and children in past and present small-scale societies.
As living resources that are currently experiencing rapid changes in management practices, monitoring the process of insect domestication may help shed light on the nature of domestication itself.
Current research projects include:
The place of insects in the traditional diet in rural central Japan
The ‘semi domestication’ of wasps for use as food in contemporary Japan
Public health and edible insects
The micronutrient contribution of edible insects in Zimbabwe
Wild harvesting in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Gender roles in insect foraging and management
I am also interested in the role of insects in assisting inland migration.
My first pilot research project in entomophagy was in DRC during 2012-13 while working as a bonobo research assistant in a remote area where a number of caterpillar species are consumed. I have uploaded information about this work here: Wild harvesting of edible insects in DRC
Below are a couple of slideshows; one showing examples of edible insects in three countries, and one summarising why insects are economically and environmentally preferable to traditional livestock.
The place of insects in the traditional diet in rural central Japan
The ‘semi domestication’ of wasps for use as food in contemporary Japan
Public health and edible insects
The micronutrient contribution of edible insects in Zimbabwe
Wild harvesting in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Gender roles in insect foraging and management
I am also interested in the role of insects in assisting inland migration.
My first pilot research project in entomophagy was in DRC during 2012-13 while working as a bonobo research assistant in a remote area where a number of caterpillar species are consumed. I have uploaded information about this work here: Wild harvesting of edible insects in DRC
Below are a couple of slideshows; one showing examples of edible insects in three countries, and one summarising why insects are economically and environmentally preferable to traditional livestock.
