Preliminary observations on the commercialisation of Rynchophorus phoenicis larvae at Mvog-Mbi market in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Abstract

The palm weevil Rhynchophorus phoenicis is among the most consumed species of insects in Africa particularly in Western and Central Africa. This insect species is considered as a delicacy. The objective of this work was to assessthe trade of palm weevil larvae in an urban food market in the capital city Yaoundé. From the findings, it appears that the trade of R. phoenicis larvae is considered as a woman’s business and is lucrative. A handful of 0.1 l of palm weevil larvae costs 1000 francs (US$ 2) which is quite a substantial income. Larvae are shipped from surrounding or distant villages and delivered with raffia or palm dead fibres as food substrates to keep larvae alive up to 4 days. Larvae pseudo reared on raphia palms using indigenous knowledge are much more preferred than of palm oiltree. Although this commerce is still very informal, the value chain involves various participants who control the market between producers in numerous villages and the retailers in the city and since the demand of this insectis somehow high, this business could be associated to a serious threat to palm tree ecosystems in Cameroon. The study suggests a mitigating research programme between the consumption of this insect and the conservation of palm tree ecosystems in Africa. Further investigations are needed for a better capture of palm weevils trade and its implications for value chains actors as well as for policy-makers.