Nutritional Composition and Socio-Economic Importance of the Shea Butter Caterpillar, Cirina forda (Westwood), as a Non-Wood Forest Product in Southern Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

Edible insects provide alternative nutrient sources and contribute to food security and rural livelihoods. This study assessed the nutritional composition and socioeconomic importance of the shea butter caterpillar, Cirina forda (Westwood), a seasonal non-wood forest product harvested from Vitellaria paradoxa trees in southern Taraba State, Nigeria. Fresh larvae were collected from selected trees across five local government areas, cleaned, and oven-dried at 60°C for 24 hours. Proximate composition was determined using AOAC (2012) methods, while minerals, vitamins, and antinutrients were analyzed spectrophotometrically. Statistical analyses employed t-tests and Duncan’s multiple range test at p ≤ .05. Socioeconomic data were collected through 200 questionnaires administered to collectors and traders. Drying significantly increased crude protein from 20.10% to 24.62% and reduced moisture from 10.74% to 6.44% (p < .05). Iron and zinc concentrations increased from 2.70 to 4.70 ppm and from 1.11 to 1.70 ppm, respectively, whereas sodium decreased from 3.63 to 3.16 ppm. Reported thiamine (vitamin B1) values declined from 97.8% to 10.9%, while retinol (vitamin A) was largely retained. Phytate and oxalate increased after drying. Among respondents, 56% were female, 39.5% were aged 18–25 years, and 48.5% belonged to households comprising 4–6 people. The socioeconomic findings indicated that C. forda contributed substantially to household livelihoods. Overall, the study identifies C. forda as a potential source of protein and minerals and an important rural livelihood resource. The processing-related changes in nutrients and antinutrients highlight the need for improved processing practices, alongside marketing interventions to support its socioeconomic value.