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Edible shea tree caterpillar: prevalence, consumption pattern and perception of nutrition and economic importance in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, Nigeria
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DOI：10.1007/s42690-026-01822-6.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
Shea tree caterpillar (STC) is among the most delicious and commonly consumed insect species in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, Nigeria. STC is usually harvested and processed for its nutrition and economic benefits. This study examined the prevalence, consumption habit, and perception of nutrition and the economic importance of STC in the community. A three-stage sampling procedure was used to select 154 respondents in three Local Government Areas in the region. 61% of the respondents were female with a mean age of 55.3 years. At least 82.5% of the respondents reported that STC was very common in the study areas, and 89.6% of the respondents were involved in their harvest. Although about 60% perceived that there is an increase in the rate of collection of STC, in a focus group discussion, some respondents mentioned that there is a decline in the availability of STC, associating the decline with deforestation. Most respondents (83.0%) reported that they or any member of their family had consumed STC in 12 months preceding the survey. The majority (83.0%) of the respondents preferred to consume it with the main meal rather than snacking on it. In terms of the benefits of STC, 76.0% regarded STC as an alternative source of income, while 91.6% reported that STC was another source of protein for them, which informed inclusion in their diet. The study concluded that though STC is still actively harvested for its nutritional and economic benefits in Oke-Ogun, its future availability may be threatened due to deforestation. Efforts should therefore be focused on cultivation rather than wild harvest.
Keywords:
Exploitation
Cirina
Income generation
Consumption
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