Nutritional benefits of Edible insects offer sustainable solutions.

As the global population grows and traditional livestock farming strains environmental resources, interest in alternative protein sources, such as edible insects, is increasing. Grasshoppers, particularly *Ruspolia nitidula*, are abundant in regions like Cameroon and provide essential nutrients.

A study conducted by the University of Dschang, published in *Food Science of Animal Products* (DOI: 10.26599/FSAP.2024.9240068), examined the effects of substituting traditional fish meal with grasshopper meal in rat diets over 12 weeks. Results showed significant health improvements in rats fed grasshopper meals, including enhanced libido, better sleep quality, and superior hair condition—94.58% of hairs were optimal compared to 5.55% and 0.27% in the other groups. Grasshopper-fed rats also gained more weight, indicating better overall health.

These findings suggest that *Ruspolia nitidula* could serve as a sustainable, nutrient-rich protein alternative, potentially addressing malnutrition in low-resource settings. The North Cameroon Association for Ecological and Food Transition (ABC-ECOLO) funded the study.