CONTRIBUTION A LA PROMOTION DE L ENTOMOPHAGIE : ETUDE DU PROCEDE DE PRODUCTION, DE LA VALEUR NUTRITIONNELLE ET DE L ACCEPTABILITE DU GARI-FOTO , A BASE DES LARVES DE CHARANCONS DU PALMIER (RHYNCHOPHORUS PHOENICIS)

Meat consumption has nearly tripled as a result of population growth and is expected to double again by 2050. Promoting entomophagy therefore represents a promising pathway toward food and nutritional security. However, beyond the nutritional value and functional properties of edible insects, it is also important to understand the various ways in which these insects are used as food. In this context, the present study investigated the dietary uses of Rhynchophorus phoenicis larvae in selected localities of southern Togo. Surveys were conducted from August to September 2023 in Hihéatro (Plateaux Region), Kouvé, and Badja (Maritime Region) using structured questionnaires. In addition, the nutritional composition of a local dish (Gari-Foto) prepared with these larvae and hydrated cassava flour was assessed through the determination of macronutrients and mineral contents using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results showed that replacing small fish or chicken eggs with palm weevil larvae in Gari-Foto did not reduce the nutritional value of the dish. On the contrary, this substitution significantly improved (p - 0.05) the levels of phosphorus, zinc, and iron. R. phoenicis larvae are well known and widely consumed by the populations of the surveyed localities.