Zimbabwean Insects

Available for over a year

In much of rural Zimbabwe meat is a very rare treat. Three consecutive years of record low rainfall and a devastating economic crisis have left almost half the population food insecure. In many communities there isn't enough grain for humans, let alone animals. Esnath Divasoni works for a charity in Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, and in her spare time breeds crickets at her parents' small farm. She is convinced these low-fat, high-protein insects, containing important vitamins, minerals and macro-nutrients, could significantly improve the nation's diet. Cheap and easy to produce, they could also be an invaluable source of income for women farmers - and their carbon footprint is almost zero. What's not to love? Charlotte Ashton visits Esnath and her family for a tour of the farm - and a lunch of crickets - to find out.