Menale Kassie is an experienced Development Economist with over 18 years of expertise in policy research and impact evaluation. His work specializes in evaluating bundled innovations, insect farming innovations, pollination services, gender and scaling research, and policy engagement. He has authored over 104 peer-reviewed articles, accumulating 19,580 Google Scholar citations (H-index: 65), with his research cited in 460+ policy documents. His extensive career includes key roles at CIMMYT and the University of Gothenburg (Sweden). Menale is globally recognized with multiple awards, including the TWAS Siwei Cheng Award in Economic Sciences. He is ranked among the top 2% of global scientists by Stanford University and acknowledged as a highly cited researcher by Clarivate.

Insect ecosystem services from socioeconomic perspective

This presentation highlights the socioeconomic and ecological value of insect-based systems, demonstrating their contributions to food security, environmental sustainability, and economic development. Focusing on pollination services, pest regulation, and Black Soldier Fly (BSF)-based waste utilization, it explores how insects support sustainable agrifood systems and livelihoods. Insects provide critical ecosystem services, including pollination, waste decomposition, soil enrichment, and natural pest control, enhancing agricultural productivity, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience. Pollinators contribute billions of dollars annually by improving crop yields, food quality, and ecosystem stability. Meanwhile, BSF larvae serve as a nature-based solution for organic waste management, efficiently converting food scraps, manure, and agricultural residues into high-value proteins and biofertilizers. This process reduces landfill waste, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and supports circular economies. The insect-based industries also create employment opportunities through food, feed, and biofertilizer markets. However, despite their socioeconomic and ecological value, insect populations face threats from habitat loss, climate change, pesticides, regulatory barriers, and consumer resistance. Addressing these challenges requires integrating insect ecosystem and economic services into sustainability policies, fostering conservation initiatives, public awareness, and promoting their socioeconomic potential. Understanding their contributions will drive evidence-based interventions that strengthen food security, resilience, and sustainable development.