The impact of the surrounding ecological factors influencing the collection and consumption of lake flies within the Lake Victoria region

The motivation of consuming edible insects, particularly lake flies, has the potential of improving the problem that results from the inability to sustainably meet the rising demand for animal-based protein as a result of increased population growth and urbanization. The aim of this study was to identify the impact of the surrounding ecological factors influencing the collection and consumption of lake flies within the Lake Victoria region. A sample size of 385 respondents was derived using purposive and multistage sampling method. The target population is a representative of 8 ministry of livestock staff in each county and 385 households from the area. The study was conducted in Siaya, Homabay, and Kisumu counties along the Kenyan Lake Victoria shores. A survey research design using structured questionnaires and key informant interview guides were used. The qualitative data collected was analyzed using thematic analysis focusing on examining themes or patterns of meaning within data whereas quantitative data was analyzed using inferential and descriptive statistics with the aid of SPSS computer software. Ecological factors were found to significantly drive the motivation to consume lake flies (r=0.740, M=3.52, P=0.00). The emergence of insects depends on moisture and temperature levels and biotic factors. Climate change increases or reduces the number of lake flies collected thus influencing consumption. published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences | JBES