SCIENTISTS at Abertay University are set to lead a £1 million project aimed at tackling malnutrition in Zimbabwe through an insect-based porridge.
Experts are aiming to create an affordable food source with the help of mopane worms, best known in the UK for being part of challenges on the TV show I’m a Celebrity. In Zimbabwe, they are a commonly farmed delicacy and a source of nutrients.
The international project will modify existing local recipes and upscale traditional rearing techniques used by mopane worm farmers. It has received a grant from UK Research and Innovation’s GCRF scheme and also involves experts from Sheffield University and three universities in Zimbabwe.
Project lead Dr Alberto Fiore said: “We know through existing research that edible insects are a good source of nutrients and, importantly, they are very affordable. We will be using existing techniques on a larger scale, and we hope this will help improve health in school-age children.”
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