Grasshoppers in Beni, Democratic Republic of Congo: commercial and food opportunity
Every November and December, the town of Beni, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is the scene of a particular phenomenon: the appearance of locusts en masse. These insects, captured mainly at night using homemade traps, offer both a commercial opportunity for some and a source of food for others.
Grasshoppers are often caught in the traditional way, as demonstrated by Ignace Kambale, a resident of Beni who uses a generator, lamps, metal sheets and tarpaulins to attract the insects. Despite the fatigue after an intense night of work, he is delighted with the benefits he can reap from it. He explains: “It’s luck! For example, today I caught at least 100 kilograms. But when it’s good, you can even catch 500 to 600 kilograms. It’s very profitable, the wholesaler gives me 10,000 Congolese francs (4 USD) per kilogram.”
However, on the side of grasshopper resellers, the reality is different. A woman, who wished to remain anonymous, believes that she is selling at a loss. She expresses her frustration by saying: “We always sell at a loss. We demand that they lower the price of a kilogram to at least 5,000 Congolese francs, even though the fuel is expensive.”
Despite this situation, grasshoppers are known for their rich protein content, making them a valuable food for children, women and men. Nutritionist Jean-Pierre Kakule Vyambuera, from the Beni general reference hospital, highlights their nutritional value. He also recommends proper handling of grasshoppers, including storing them in airtight containers to avoid bacterial contamination.
It also calls for an analysis of grasshoppers by the Congolese Control Office to ensure their quality and food safety.
In conclusion, grasshoppers in Beni, Democratic Republic of Congo, represent both a business opportunity for some and a protein-rich food source for others. Despite the economic challenges and health issues posed by their sale, these insects continue to be captured and consumed, thus contributing to the livelihood of the local population.