A comparative study of the proximate composition Ruspolia differens and Macrotermes SPP, two common edible insects in Uganda

Abstract

Globally, and particularly in Africa and Asia, insects have played an important role in human nutrition. In Uganda, Longhorn grass hoppers( Ruspolia differens) and termites(Macrotermes spp) have a great potential to improve human nutrition and household income. R. differens and Macrotermes spp samples were collected fresh and dry respectively, from Nakesero market, Kampala. The study determined and compared the proximate composition of R. differens and Macrotermes spp in order to inform policy and nutrition experts, which among the two edible insects, or qualify both for a possible use in fighting hunger, malnutriton and food insecurity in rural uganda. The results indicate that both insects have a high lipid content(40.97+/-4.45%; R. differens and 33.17+/-2.55% Macrotermes spp), ash content(1.4+/-0.2%; R. differens and5.20 +/-0.2%; Macrotermes spp), protein content(0.45+/-0.04%; R. differeens and0.13+/-0.02% for Macrotermes spp). Based on the results, R. differens is a richer source of nutrients than Macrotermes spp, except for ash content and thus is a better alternative to conventional protein sources.