FOOD USAGE OF MACROTERMES (ISOPTERA, TERMITIDAE) ALATES IN LOME (SOUTHERN TOGO)

The consumption of insect including termites is gaining more interest nowadays even though many people still ignore the great benefit of enthomophagy. This study is a contribution to the valorization of Macrotermesalates in Lome (southern Togo). For this purpose, a survey was carried out in three municipalities of Golfe 3, Golfe 7 and Agoe-Nyive 1 (all located in the district of Lome) from June 14 to July 14, 2021. A total of 345 people were submitted to a set of questionary to assess the level of their knowledge and consequences related to the consumption of Macrotermes alates. The results revealed that more than 94% of the participants not only had a good knowledge of Macrotermes alates, but have also consumed them. Among the surveyed people, 48.67% consumed these alates for their taste while 28.67% consumed them for their nutritional value. Also, 43.70% of participants who had once consumed these alates, stated that they experienced gastrointestinal troubles following the consumption. Thus, although it is important to encourage the consumption of Macrotermes alates, hygienic precautions should be taken during the collection and processing of these alates in the interest of the health safety of consumers.