A team of scientists from the School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences , the University of Eastern Finland and Gulu University have since 2015 been implementing a collaborative research project on the ecology and biology of the edible grasshopper, “Ruspoliadifferens”, commonly known in Uganda by its Luganda name, “Nsenene”. The aim of the project is to develop a sustainable technology for mass rearing Nsenene based on ecological and biological know-how. The project has generated empirical information necessary to develop methods for mass production of Nsenene, including its population dynamics and feeding ecology, habitats, temperature relations, egg laying media, development and reproductive performance, diet and nutrient relations.
It was on this basis that the project team led by Prof. Philip Nyeko organized a symposium to disseminate the information generated from this project to various stakeholders in a symposium, which was held on 30th April 2019 in the conference room, Forestry building, Makerere University.
The function was opened by the, Principal, CAES and closed by the Dean SFEGS. Key presentations and presenters included;
- Project background, objective and questions, Prof. Heikki Roininen
- Earlier Nsenene research and believes, Prof. Philip Nyeko
- Nsenene in the field: non-swarming density and food, Dr. Anu Valtonen
- Nsenene in the field: density in the different habitats, Mr. Robert Opoke
- How to rear Nsenene with natural and artificial foods, Dr. Geoffrey Malinga
- How to manipulate Nsenene fatty acids, Lehtovaara Vilma
- Fatty acids of Nsenene on natural and artificial foods, Rutaro Karlmax
- Specimen viewing Organizing committee
- Optimal rearing temperature and density for Nsenene, Lehtovaara Vilma
- Future of Nsenene in Africa (wild vs rearing), Prof. Philip Nyeko
- Cricket rearing on different industrial side products in Finland ,Sorjonen Jaana
- Insect rearing as a new lucrative business, Sild Erlend
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