Humanity faces interconnected challenges such as food insecurity, poverty, climate change, and biodiversity loss, exacerbated by unsustainable practices and resource depletion.

Soil degradation, driven by unsustainable agriculture, threatens food production. Simultaneously, deforestation for agriculture reduces global forest cover, worsening climate change, poverty, and food insecurity. Currently, 768 million people globally suffer from undernourishment, with Sub-Saharan Africa and Eastern Africa particularly affected, further aggravated by crises like the pandemic and conflicts.

Innovative food sources are urgently needed. Research highlights the potential of forests, trees, and edible insects to diversify food production, improve environmental and socioeconomic outcomes, and enhance human nutrition.

Edible insects, including those living in forests, offer a sustainable protein source. They are rich in nutrients, environmentally friendly, and efficient in land and resource use compared to traditional livestock. Despite cultural acceptance in some regions, widespread recognition of insects as a viable food source is relatively recent.

Urban demand for edible insects often exceeds supply, offering commercial potential and opportunities for youth entrepreneurship. However, insect farming, especially for Black Soldier Flies, remains limited, requiring improvement, waste management, and feed assessment. Digital tools like dynamic vision sensors and radar surveillance aid insect monitoring, enhancing understanding of insect behavior in farming and optimizing productivity.

Edible insects can complement smallholder farming, diversify income, improve crop health, and recycle waste. Expanding insect farming necessitates research, technological enhancements, and sustainable waste utilization strategies, offering solutions to pressing global challenges while promoting sustainability and economic opportunities.