Project Description

Despite global efforts, hunger levels have continued to grow over recent years. With the global population set to reach close to 10 billion by 2050, sustainable, cross-sectoral solutions are needed to ensure people have access to the nutrition they require for healthy development, while supporting healthy ecosystems. Insects are part of the solution! Insects are high in protein and other nutrients, are easy to produce, and generate a tiny fraction of the greenhouse gases produced by cattle. In developing countries, local insect production is particularly beneficial for women and children in rural and periurban areas, nutritionally and economically. Insect production helps (1) decrease demand for bushmeat by increasing insect-reared poultry alternatives by feeding insects directly to the birds or as part of commercial feed, (2) decrease demand for small marine fish--which are notoriously overharvested--for commercially processed fish meal for aquaculture, and (3) decrease deforestation particularly for pasture for cattle by supporting alternatives to beef protein. Insects are also incredibly resilient to drought and can be raised on food waste, creating efficient, year-round, circular and sustainable economies.

As an intern, your tasks will include: 1) Review, summarize and write a concise report of the status of insect-protein production opportunities globally, including key benefits, challenges, actors and economic forecasts. 2) Synthesize evidence of the pros and cons of insect-protein production projects and provide a synopsis of key logistical, policy, and regulatory issues to consider for undertaking such projects in developing countries. 3) Develop brief key talking points aimed to raise awareness of the benefits of insect-protein production for stakeholders in different development sectors.

Required Skills or Interests

Additional Information

One to two interns will work on this project. As part of our team, you’ll engage with a diverse and passionate group of folks in the Biodiversity Division and Bureau for Resilience and Food Security. Internships are the most successful when participants not only complete a set of requested tasks, but also when you have opportunities to propose ideas in line with your unique interests. We welcome your ideas to pursue that you believe will support nutrition and biodiversity conservation.