Edible insect foods and nutritional outcomes in rural African children

Child malnutrition remains widespread in low-income African contexts, contributing to persistent micronutrient deficiencies, impaired immune function, and suboptimal child growth. Sustainable, nutrient-dense dietary strategies are urgently needed to complement conventional interventions. This systematic review synthesised evidence on the nutritional and functional role of insect-based foods in improving child nutrition outcomes in Kenya, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A systematic review of peer-reviewed and grey literature was conducted following standard evidence-synthesis procedures. Studies published between 2014 and 2025 were identified through database searches and screened using predefined inclusion criteria focused on children’s nutritional outcomes, micronutrient bioavailability, and the acceptability of edible insects. Both experimental and observational studies, including dietary modelling and stable-isotope research, were included. Findings show consistent improvements in haemoglobin levels and dietary iron and zinc intake among children consuming insect-enriched foods, with evidence of enhanced mineral bioavailability. Stable-isotope and modelling studies indicate superior zinc absorption and efficient utilisation of high-quality protein from crickets, caterpillars, termites, and mopane worms. However, effects on linear growth were mixed across studies. Acceptability was generally high when insects were incorporated into familiar foods, while taste, texture, caregiver perceptions, and social norms influenced uptake. In essence, insect-based foods represent a viable, culturally adaptable strategy for improving micronutrient intake and addressing hidden hunger in resource-constrained African settings. Policy actions should therefore consider integrating insect-based foods into child nutrition guidelines, school and community feeding programmes, culturally sensitive behaviour-change interventions, support for local insect value chains, and proportionate food-safety regulation.