Consumers acceptance and willingness to pay for edible insects in Makurdi Metropolis, Benuestate, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted to provide information on consumers’ acceptance and willingness to pay (WTP) for edible insects in Makurdi metropolis due to paucity of information on the acceptance and WTP of the insects. Stratified random and systematic sampling techniques were employed for data collection from 120 respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, five-point Likert rating scale, and Contingent Valuation Method (CVM). The results show that all the respondents (100%) have heard of edible insects. However, 81.67% of the respondents reported eating edible insects, 33.2% ate edible insects because of its taste while 29.4% ate forest insects for its nutritive values, 23.08% disgust eating insect products. Edible forest insect identified by the respondents were cricket 30.46%, caterpillar 29.23%, termites 29.54%. Others were grasshopper 5.85%, honey bee and locust 2.46% respectively. Cricket was the most preferred edible insect (48.33%). The total willingness to pay was ₦72951/yr while the mean willingness to pay for conservation of edible insects was ₦744.40/yr. The study recommends for the conservation of edible insects by Government, local authorities, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and individuals to ensure the sustainability of edible insects in the locality.