Ghana

A West African Delicacy

The Palm weevil larva, whose local name is akokono in Ghana and “poulet riche” in the DRC, is a delicious treat for many West Africans. Known locally for its rich taste and nutritious properties, palm weevil larvae are traditionally harvested from felled palm trees after they have been tapped for their palm wine (“apeteshie” is a popular type of distilled palm alcohol in Ghana). Palm weevil larvae are eaten in a variety of ways – they are grilled, dried, fried, thrown into soups and stews as well.

Not only do they have a unique texture, but they are highly nutritious. Palm weevils are 30% to 40% protein depending on their maturity and how they are cooked. In addition, only 100 grams provides up to a quarter of one’s daily recommended intake of iron, significant considering the high anemia rate in Ghana. Our aim is to make these tasty sources of protein and nutrients accessible to those who desire them and need them.

Aspire’s Current Work in Ghana

Akokono (Palm Weevil Larva) Production

Currently, Aspire is running a pilot production initiative in collaboration with the University of Ghana, FOHCREC in Kade, Ghana, a short distance from Accra. We are working with our partners at the University to adapt the breeding techniques we learnt in Southern Thailand to the Ghanaian landscape. In addition, we are working to optimize the breeding process to ensure we can make palm weevils available at an accessible price.

Mr. Charles Adu Gyamfi, senior field assistant; Zev Thompson; Dr. Akotsen-Mensah, research fellow; photo credit Sampson Addae

Mr. Issac Amoh, junior field technician; photo credit Zev Thompson

Increasing Nutritional Security and Income Opportunities for Smallhold Farmers

In July 2014, we began an akokono training pilot project in Kintampo South, Brong Ahafo in Ghana. Our project consists of teaching smallhold farmers how to breed palm weevil larvae. We also provide the necessary equipment and technology, undertaken with the financial support of Grand Challenges Canada and the Government of Canada.

In this community in Kintampo South, everyone loves eating palm weevil larvae. In recent years, it has become increasingly challenging to harvest the larvae from the wild because palm plantations get sprayed with pesticides which decreases the number of larvae available for consumption. In addition, many farmers spend most of their time looking after their crops and taking care of their families that there is little time to engage in the time intensive and labour intensive process of harvesting palm weevil larvae.

All of the participants in our program may choose to cook the larvae for their families or they may choose to sell it as a way of increasing their income. We are working towards helping many of these farmers scale the process so that is a commercially viable process for them and so that it helps maintain a nutritious food tradition in Ghana.

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