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Researchers from the University of 91直播 and Abertay University are working to create an affordable food source with the help of mopane worms, best known in the UK for being part of the eating challenges on I鈥檓 a Celebrity
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The worms are a commonly farmed delicacy in Zimbabwe and are a valuable source of nutrients
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The 拢1 million international project will improve the health and nutrition of primary school children in some of the Zimbabwe鈥檚 poorest communities
Scientists at the University of 91直播 are helping to tackle malnutrition in Zimbabwe through the mass development of an insect-based porridge.
Working in collaboration with experts from Abertay University on the 拢1 million project, the researchers are aiming to create an affordable food source with the help of mopane worms, best known in the UK for being part of eating challenges on the TV show I鈥檓 a Celebrity.
In Zimbabwe, the worms are a commonly farmed delicacy and a valuable source of nutrients.
The international project will modify existing local recipes and upscale traditional rearing techniques used by mopane worm farmers, strengthening availability of the grubs and that of other edible bugs.
In the long term, it is hoped that this will improve the health and nutritional status of primary school children in some of the country鈥檚 poorest communities.
Undernutrition in primary school children is a recognised problem in Zimbabwe, and nutritional inadequacy during this critical developmental stage can have long term negative effects.
Dr Viren Ranawana
Senior Lecturer from the University of 91直播's School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR)
Dr Viren Ranawana, a researcher in the project from the University of 91直播鈥檚 School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), said: 鈥淯ndernutrition in primary school children is a recognised problem in Zimbabwe, and nutritional inadequacy during this critical developmental stage can have long term negative effects.
鈥淭his is why the study is so important, and its strength is that it uses a culturally relevant approach as a solution. Mopane worms are a traditional food and an important part of the country鈥檚 diet and economy. It is also a very sustainable food source that is rich in protein and micronutrients.
鈥淎nother strength of the project is that it brings together key stakeholders, starting from the producers of mopane worms to policy leaders, researchers and communities. This will enable us to develop united strategies for improving long-term policy and public health, and maximising impact on poorer communities.鈥
The innovative project has been made possible through a grant from UK Research and Innovation鈥檚 (UKRI) Global Challenges Research Fund scheme and also involves experts from three universities in Zimbabwe.
Project lead, Dr Alberto Fiore from Abertay University, said: 鈥淎t the moment, maize is a staple food in Zimbabwe and is used in the production of traditional foods for the whole family, including for weaning children.
鈥淭his is problematic as it is extremely low in protein, essential minerals, amino acids and fatty acids.
鈥淚t also contributes to obesity, which, combined with malnutrition is an inescapable problem right now.
He added: 鈥淲e know through existing research that edible insects are a good source of nutrients and, importantly, they are very affordable.
鈥淲e will be using existing techniques on a larger scale, and we hope this will help improve health in school-age children.鈥
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