Country-Level Bibliometric Analysis of Edible Insect Research: Geographic Distribution and Contributions to Advancing Sustainable Alternatives for Food and Feed

Abstract

This study examines global research trends in edible insects using a bibliometric approach to evaluate country contributions, which are essential for understanding the geographic distribution of research capacity, funding availability, and regional priorities. Country-specific insights highlight disparities in research output and infrastructure, providing a foundation for exploring how different nations adopt edible insects in food systems and feed applications. Based on 2291 articles indexed in the Scopus database from 2005 to 2024, the analysis utilized Bibliometrix in R software and VOSviewer for bibliometric visualization. To enhance data processing and presentation, Scimago Graphica, Tableau, and MS Excel were employed for advanced visualizations. The findings reveal the rapid growth in edible insect research, with Europe leading in output, particularly from Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Asia shows strong contributions, with South Korea and China emerging as key players supported by robust funding frameworks. The United States, United Kingdom, and the Netherlands host the largest number of journals, facilitating widespread knowledge dissemination. Collaborative networks, led by Germany, Italy, and Kenya, drive advancements, while the Netherlands ranks highest in citations, underscoring the impact of its research. Emerging themes include bioactive compounds, functional foods, circular economy practices, and sustainable feed for livestock and aquaculture, aligning with global sustainability goals. Insects like black soldier fly larvae, crickets, and mealworms are being explored as efficient protein sources for animal feed. Addressing food safety, allergenicity, and cultural barriers remains critical. Future research should focus on scalable farming, innovative food processing, and underutilized species, with global collaboration and sustainability alignment being pivotal.

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