Insect Farming For Multiple Global Development Outcomes
![Insect Farming For Multiple Global Development Outcomes Insect Farming For Multiple Global Development Outcomes](https://biodiversitylinks.org/library/resources/insect-farming-for-global-development/@@images/500964eb-ec2f-4760-97bc-20245121dc29.png)
Farming insects for animal feed and human use benefits local economies, strengthens food security, mitigates greenhouse gas emissions, and advances community resilience.
Insect farming exemplifies a circular model livestock system. Many commercial and small-scale insect operations raise insects entirely on organic waste–which is diverted from producing methane in landfills–with minimal inputs of water and other raw materials. In return, insect farming generates high-protein and nutrient-dense feed for traditional domestic livestock and aquaculture, as well as by-products such as organic fertilizer, biofuels, waxes, resins, and dyes. Small-scale insect farming requires little area and time, making it ideal for women, youth, and marginalized groups who have limited access to space and resources. Large-scale operations can be built vertically, which gives farmers the flexibility to live in urban or peri-urban areas and/or close to food waste producers to feed the insects.