The FIT Program involves edible insect farming for improved nutrition and income in South Sudan.
South Sudan is facing a state of emergency around food security and livelihoods. In South Sudan, there has been a significant depletion of available natural food resources due to both flooding and severe dry hot periods.
Families rarely slaughter domestic livestock and typically Instead rely on bushmeat and wild animals as a source of protein. However, these have been on the decline over the last few years.
As a result of the decline in traditional food sources, people in EEQ and Jonglei state have begun harvesting edible insects. However, harvesters lack insect rearing knowledge and skills and have yet to adopt practices of semi-domestication and indoor insect farming.
Currently, insect harvesting transpires at night and is predominantly undertaken by women and youth, representing a significant risk of gender-based violence.
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FIT is a research program which seeks to mitigate the effects of malnutrition and gender-related challenges in South Sudan through the production and marketing of edible insects.
In addition, the project focuses on capacity building for target groups in appropriate insect rearing production techniques, insect farming and consumption, dietary benefits, insect food preparation, processing for value addition and business and entrepreneurship skill.
The Project is working with 200 beneficiaries (80% women and girls and 20% men and boys) to improve their skills in insect farming, marketing and preparation as food to improve nutrition and is implemented in Eastern Equatoria State and Jonglei State.
VWB/VSF Canada has implemented successful insect farming in Kenya, Uganda, and in Southeast Asia.
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