Orateur
Description
Food insecurity and protein malnutrition remain major public health concerns in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Burundi, where diets are predominantly based on starchy staples deficient in high-quality proteins and essential micronutrients. Edible insects represent sustainable, culturally accepted, and nutrient-dense alternative food resources with strong potential for food fortification strategies. This study comparatively evaluated the nutritional, mineral, biochemical, fatty acid, and amino acid compositions of four edible insect species commonly consumed or produced in Burundi: crickets (Acheta domesticus), locusts (Locusta migratoria), black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens), and honeybee larvae (Apis mellifera). Significant interspecific variability was observed. Crickets exhibited the highest protein content (56.81% dry matter) and the most favorable polyunsaturated fatty acid profile, characterized by elevated linoleic and α-linolenic acid contents as well as a high PUFA/SFA ratio. BSF larvae and honeybee larvae displayed high lipid contents and energy density, whereas locusts showed exceptionally high calcium concentrations. Honeybee larvae also contained relatively high iron and zinc levels. Amino acid analysis revealed nutritionally valuable profiles in all species, particularly with respect to leucine, lysine, and branched-chain amino acids, highlighting their potential for improving the amino acid balance of cereal- and cassava-based diets. FTIR and zeta potential analyses further confirmed interspecific biochemical and physicochemical differences that may influence food formulation behavior. Overall, the results demonstrate that edible insects constitute promising species-specific nutritional resources for sustainable food fortification in Burundi and support their integration into strategies aimed at combating protein and micronutrient deficiencies.