Quality Evaluation Of African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis Stenocarpa)/ Wheat Cake Enriched With Edible Palm Weevil (Rhychophorus Phoencis)

ABSTRACT

The continuous increase in population and concomitant decrease in agricultural production is a major factors leading to the grave short fall in edible protein for consumption in developing countries; the resulting protein deficiency has been a serious cause o illness and death in many regions. Protein deficiency in one's diet plays a significant part in what is widely referred to as protein-energy malnutrition. In countries that suffer from wide spread protein deficiency, food is generally full of plant fillers, making adequate energy and protein consumption very difficult (Schwaii el at., 2003.) Attempts to find new foods rich in protein is desirable, especially considering the need for new infant food suitable for preventing protein malnutrition and to provide a cheaper alternatives source to increasingly expensive animal meal . Insects are popular SOUrCeS of food in many cultures around the world, as either an occasional delicacy or as a replacement food in times of droughts, floods or storage (Adedire and Aiyesanmi, 1999). They provide a good source of protein, minerals, vitamin and energy and they cost less than animal protein for poor rural communities; their consumption has averted many cases of malnutrition [Cheivwunduka el at, 1975]. Among such important insect is the African Palm Weevil 'Rhychophorus Phoenicis' (De Follart el at., 1992).