Exploring Locust Consumption Acceptance Factors among Pakistani University Students: Insights for Sustainable Food Adoption

Abstract

In the past years, the food security issue has become clearer, and resources have been sought to improve the sustainable food chain with the aim of reducing the harm to the environment caused by traditional food systems. Through the arrival of edible insects, sustainability and nutritional prowess emerge as a solution in view. On the downside/on the other/however, public acceptance is one of the key factors that limit their (AV) placement. The scientists have frantically worked on the identification of the factors that make up one's decision to improve on the level of eating insects. This paper details the research conducted with a group of 125 students who come from numerous public institutions in Pakistan, with the focus to determine their readiness to incorporate consuming bugs which is a fresh protein source in their cultural sphere. The investigation was multifaceted one and covered the spectrum from disgust effects, safety risks, to cultural factors, knowledge gap, environmental issues, and religious considerations. Implementing a five-point Likert scale questionnaire administered through the use of Google Forms, the study brought to the fore critical aspects that stimulate the decisions and intentions of students regarding whether to eat insects to control the escalating locust population. The research pinpoints several factors as being the most important in shaping participants´ attitude towards the idea of either trying or avoiding the locust-based food – those would be something like disgust, deeply held religious views, and merely care toward the surrounding environment. On top of this, cultural influences and knowledge gaps became the essential determinants that worked to promote those decisions. This analysis applied a multipronged approach to investigate the multifarious parts that affect food choices, especially with regard to dietary innovation such as locusts. This research, not only shows a broader approach to the analysis of insect consumption in Pakistan but also contributes to effective educational programs leading to a rise in awareness level on this issue. These strategies are quite essential in the context of the issue and can contribute to the development of cheap, high-quality food and the resolution of the global food security quandary.