Understanding the factors influencing citizens willingness-to-accept the use of insects to feed poultry, cattle, pig and fish in Brazil

Abstract

The increase in worlds population will cause a high demand of animal-sourced food, which will require a boost in the production of protein, because protein is an important component of animal feed. A higher production of protein, however, might contribute for the depletion of environmental resources. In this scenario, the use of insects as an alternative source of protein to feed animals could be a solution. However, citizens willingness-to-accept insect as a source of protein to feed animals is unknown, particularly in developing countries, such as Brazil. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors influencing citizens willingness-to-accept the use of insects to feed poultry, cattle, pig and fish. To reach this aim, we conducted an online survey with Brazilian citizens. We analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and four logistic regression models. In each of logistic models, the dependent variable was citizens willingness-to-accept the use of insects to feed either poultry, or cattle, or pig or fish. A set of independent variables including socio-demographic characteristics, attitudes, perceived benefits, perceived risks, and perceived concerns were used to explain citizens' willingness-to-accept the use of insect to feed animals. Results showed that most citizens would accept that poultry, pig, and fish receive insect-based diets, and half of the citizens would accept and half would not accept that cattle receive such diet. Results of the logistic regression models showed that citizens who had a positive attitude about using insects to feed animals were more willing-to-accept the use of insect to feed poultry, cattle, pig, and fish compared to those who had a negative attitude. Citizens who perceived the benefits of using insect to feed animals were less willing-to-accept the use of insects to feed poultry compared to those who didnt perceive the benefits. Citizens who perceived the benefits of using insects to feed animals were more willing-to-accept the use of insect to feed fish compared to those who didnt perceive the benefits. Citizens who were more concerned about using insect to feed animals were more willing-to-accept the use of insects to feed poultry compared to those who were less concerned. Finally, citizens who were more concerned about using insects to feed animals were less willing-to-accept the use of insect to feed pigs compared to those who were less concerned. These results revealed important insights that can be used to design strategies to increase the acceptance of the use of insects to feed poultry, cattle, pig, and fish.