REVIEW article
Front. Sustain.
Sec. Waste Management
Volume 6 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/frsus.2025.1620925
This article is part of the Research TopicCutting Edge Reclamation Solutions for Transforming Biodegradable Waste into Sustainable ResourcesView all articles
Insect-Based Organic Waste Management: A Sustainable Pathway to Enhanced Ecosystem Services and Food Security
Provisionally accepted
- 1University of California, Irvine, Irvine, United States
- 2CGIAR Impact Area Platform on Environmental Health and Biodiversity, Nairobi, Kenya
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Insect-based organic waste management (IBOWM) is revolutionary for tackling organic waste disposal and fostering sustainable food production. This review examines the multifaceted benefits of IBOWM, including its capacity to reduce landfill waste, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and improve soil health through the practical application of nutrient-rich insect frass. A major contribution of this study is developing a comprehensive framework that illustrates how insect farming enhances ecosystem services by bolstering biodiversity and optimizing nutrient cycling. Drawing on current research and diverse regional case studies, the paper highlights successful IBOWM implementations while also identifying major challenges such as regulatory barriers and public acceptance issues. The economic implications are also explored, with an emphasis on job creation and sustainable livelihoods, particularly in rural communities. Additionally, the review underscores the critical need for supportive policies and harmonized regulatory frameworks across regions. Finally, future research directions are outlined, stressing the importance of standardized regulations, thorough economic assessments, and targeted public education initiatives. By creating a supportive environment for IBOWM, stakeholders can significantly advance sustainable waste management, enhance food security, and promote overall ecological health, ultimately paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Keywords: ecosystem services, Insect farming, Inset-based organic waste management (IBOWM), Regulatory frameworks, Sustainable food production, waste reduction
Received: 30 Apr 2025; Accepted: 23 Jun 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Ayompe, Masso, Epie, Crook and Egoh. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Lacour Ayompe, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, United States
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