Research
Mak and MSU Host Landmark Symposium on Insects for Food, Feed, and Food Security in Africa
A groundbreaking symposium exploring the role of insects in African farming systems concluded on June 6th, 2025, at Onomo Hotel in Kampala. Convened by Makerere University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU), the event drew participants from over ten countries, including researchers, development experts, regulators, and practitioners.
Under the theme “Advancing the Role of Insects in African Farming Systems for Feed, Food, and Food Security,” the two-day gathering aimed to share knowledge and experiences on integrating insects into food and feed systems to address food security challenges across the continent. The discussions revolved around four key sub-themes namely; Insects as animal feed to promote sustainable livestock production and livelihoods; Insects for human food and food security, including indigenous insect-based diets; Insects for improved soil health and crop production and Commercialization of insect farming, with a focus on regulation and standardization.
The symposium commenced with opening remarks delivered on behalf of Makerere University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, by his representative, Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine, Principal of CoVAB. He welcomed participants and commended Dr. Deborah Amulen, Lecturer at CoVAB and chief convener, for organizing a well thought out event. He emphasized that the symposium would not only raise awareness of the role of insects in Uganda’s and Africa’s socio-economic development but also help place insects on the agenda for broader discussions and integration into food security strategies. He said the event served as a platform for knowledge exchange, highlighting the untapped potential of insect farming in transforming food security, sustainable agriculture, and economic growth.
Key facilitators at the symposium were esteemed experts from leading institutions worldwide, who shared their insights on insect-based food systems and sustainable agriculture. Among the distinguished speakers were Prof. Jeffrey K. Tomberlin from Texas A&M University, Prof. Eric M. Benbow from Michigan State University, Prof. Florence Dunkel from Montana State University, Dr. Denise Beesigamukama, a Postdoctoral Fellow, ICIPE Kenya and Dr. Deborah Amulen the host from Makerere University. These are exemplified in their contribution towards academic research and leadership, policy and industry impact and more importantly their expertise in insect science.
During the deliberations, the experts emphasized that insects offer a viable, sustainable, and nutrient-rich solution to Africa’s growing food demands. The event underscored ongoing research and commercialization efforts aimed at mainstreaming insect farming into the agricultural sector. As global interest in alternative protein sources continues to rise, the symposium marked a significant step toward harnessing the potential of insects to enhance food security in Africa.
Experts underscored that Africa is home to over 470 recognized edible insect species, providing a rich source of proteins, fats, and essential micronutrients. Insects have historically been a staple in diets across Uganda, Southern Africa, and other regions, serving as a vital food source in times of drought, conflict, and food scarcity. One of the most discussed innovations at the event was the large-scale farming of Black Soldier Fly, which is being utilized to produce not only the larvae but also frass, a high-protein animal feed and organic fertilizer to enhance soil health and boost agricultural yields.
Several scholars presented their research in the area of Insects, where together with the farmers, industry representatives, policy makers and practitioners contributed valuable perspectives on advancing the role of insects in food security, animal feed, and ecological sustainability in Africa. Their discussions underscored the importance of research, policy, and commercialization in expanding insect farming across the continent.
One of the keynote discussions highlighted Uganda’s rich tradition of consuming insects as part of its food culture, reinforcing their significance in nutrition and sustainability. Participants shared insights on local insect consumption practices and their role in livelihoods, drawing from countries like Cameroon, Malawi and many others represented at the event. The forum also featured representatives from key institutions, including the National Council for Science and Technology and The National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) which contributed perspectives on research, policy development, and commercialization of insects as sustainable food sources, the Ministry for Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), emphasizing the Ugandan government’s support for insect farming initiatives.
The Kenya based scientific research institute, the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) played a key role in the discourse and exhibited several innovations arising from research and their work in insects. Experts explored how insects can revolutionize animal feed production, providing an affordable, high-protein alternative to conventional sources.
With global attention shifting toward alternative and sustainable food sources, experts stressed the need for policy standardization and enhanced investment in insect-based food systems across Africa. During the event, MAAIF announced a $325 million investment through a six-year Smart Agriculture Transformation Project, aimed at expanding sustainable farming practices, reducing environmental impact, and increasing food security through alternative protein sources.
The symposium reaffirmed Africa’s position at the forefront of insect farming research, with discussions centered on scaling production, improving regulation, and leveraging indigenous knowledge for food security solutions. Moving forward, participants emphasized the importance of quality control, standardization, and policy frameworks to ensure safety, scale production, and boost market competitiveness. With Uganda leading discussions on alternative protein sources, the symposium laid the foundation for future innovations in agriculture.
The Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) on 24th July 2026 accredited over 90 Senior Academic Members of staff that form Makerere University‘s Research Ethics Committees (RECs) in Good Research Review Practice (GRRP) after an intensive three-day Training. The closing ceremony was presided over by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-DVCAA Prof. Sarah Ssali who was represented by the Principal, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Prof. Tonny Oyana.
UNCST’s Role Appreciated
In his remarks, Prof. Oyana reiterated the core function that research plays in Makerere University‘s mission and noted that excellence in research must always be underpinned by excellence in research ethics. “Research Ethics Committees play a vital role in fulfilling this responsibility,” he stated.
“Your decisions influence not only the quality and credibility of research conducted at the University but also the trust that research participants, communities, funding agencies, policymakers, and the public place in our institution,” remarked the DVCAA, who underscored the pivotal role of RECs in upholding Makerere University‘s reputation as a centre of research excellence.
He therefore thanked UNCST for promoting responsible conduct of research and strengthening ethical review systems in Uganda through facilitating trainings for RECs in GRRP and other critical areas such as Good Clinical Practice (GCP). He equally commended the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships (DRIP) led by Prof. Robert Wamala for organising the training, which continues to strengthen research governance structures across the University.
Incorporate RECs in Governance Structures
Presiding over the certificate award ceremony, the Deputy Executive Secretary UNCST, Dr. Martin Patrick Ongol congratulated all participants upon braving the three days of training despite their busy academic and research schedules. He equally commended Prof. Robert Wamala for ensuring that RECs at Makerere receive regular training and accreditation as mandated by governing procedures.
In the same breath he noted that RECs are key to ensuring that institutions conduct credible research and therefore ought not to be kept at the periphery of governance. “We would like to see that Research Ethics Committees get incorporated into governance and management structures of Makerere University – not like ad-hoc or adjunct entities within the ecosystem.”
Dr. Ongol equally called upon researchers and proposal writers in the room to ensure that issues of ethics are adequately budgeted for in the studies. “When it comes to participant compensation, we sometimes hit a snag,” he cited. He equally called upon members of RECs to ensure that issues of documentation are adequately addressed. “80% of noncompliance issues observed by UNCST are due to improper, missing or poorly handled documentation, and one of the ways of improving is through continuous engagement and we hope that we shall get there” he added.
DRIP and National Accreditation Committee Laud RECs
Prof. Robert Wamala whose Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships is at the heart of coordinating training with UNCST commended members of RECs, many of whom hold the ranks of Professors, Associate Professors and Senior Lecturers for sacrificing time to complete the GRRP Training. He reiterated that RECs are at the heart of ensuring that Makerere‘s research, particularly that involving human participants, meets national and international standards through harmonised ethical review approaches.
Adding her voice, Prof. Sylvia Angubua Baluka, a member of the UNCST National Accreditation Committee noted that in addition to RECs, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees play an important role in safeguarding the lives of animals that we depend on for food.
“I would therefore like to appreciate all Chairpersons and Members of Committees that are here; you are doing a good job and based on our site monitoring visits, we can address gaps in monitoring the research protocols you approve so as to have more impactful work and outputs that are more compliant with the ethical approval given” she added.
RECs at a glance
A total of 95 members of RECs took part in the GRRP Training as broken down below.
- Makerere University School of Medicine Research Ethics Committee (SOM–REC) – 19
- Makerere University School of Biomedical Sciences Research Ethics Committee (SBS–REC) – 17
- Makerere University School of Health Sciences (SHS–REC) – 15
- Makerere University School of Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee (MakSS–REC) – 5
- Makerere University School of Public Health Research Ethics Committee (MakSPH–REC) – 19
- Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS–REC) – 3
- Makerere University College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES–REC) – 13
- Makerere University College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB–REC) – 4
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