liz H Abstract

Entomophagy and Sustainability.

The project i am currently researching is Entomophagy (human consumption of insects) and sustainability and how this practice might be used in the future as a sustainable food source. This research will explore the issues that surround the practice of Entomophagy. This will include the psychical, societal and psychological problems that must be confronted to achieve sustainability. This will specifically target Entomophagy’s relevance in the Westernised world.

Firstly i began to investigate Entomophagy in developing countries to attempt to understand where and for what reasons Entomophagy was practiced, my findings were that Entomophagy is a ritual that is engrained within most of the cultures through tradition.  However the Entomophagy practices studied were not for sustainable usage but for pleasure like most other foods. This type of relationship with insects is evidence that Entomophagy can successful practice. I aim to explore whether these concepts can be materialised into the Westernised world.

I will investigate this through photography, print and film which will explore Entomophagy as a westernised practice. The aim is to expose and inform westernised people of alternate ways to sustain themselves and alert them benefits of Entomophagy.