Ethnic heterogeneity of knowledge on termites and human consumption in southern Cameroon

Authors

Sevilor KEKEUNOU 75278164, University of Yaounde I, F.ScFollow
Koche MOUSTAPHA, University of Yaounde I, FMBSFollow
Christian Landry DJUIDEU TCHOUAMOU, Unieversity of Yaounde I, F.ScFollow
Mercy Bih LOH ACHU, University of Yaounde I, F.ScFollow
Barthelemy NGAMENI, University of Yaounde I, FMBSFollow
Constant Anatole PIEME, University of Yaounde I, FMBSFollow
Joseph Lebel TAMESSE, University of Yaounde I, HTTCFollow

Abstract

Termites are both pests and non-conventional food resources in Sub-Saharan Africa. Many are reluctant to eat them, and the reasons for this rejection are poorly known. This study examined level of knowledge, and acceptance by members of the 10 main ethnic groups of southern Cameroon. Most respondents (86 percent) were aware of termites as food with sixteen vernacular names in the study areas. Acceptance among ethnic groups for consumption varied between 96 percent and 8 percent of people in a group. Barriers included being raised to not eat termites, not having many opportunities to eat termites, and dislike of the taste.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.5038/2162-4593.22.1.1244

Recommended Citation

KEKEUNOU, Sevilor 75278164; MOUSTAPHA, Koche; DJUIDEU TCHOUAMOU, Christian Landry; ACHU, Mercy Bih LOH; NGAMENI, Barthelemy; PIEME, Constant Anatole; and TAMESSE, Joseph Lebel. "Ethnic heterogeneity of knowledge on termites and human consumption in southern Cameroon." Journal of Ecological Anthropology 22, no. 1 (2020): 20-33.

Available at: https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/jea/vol22/iss1/2