Percorrer por autor "Bastos, Adriana de Fatima Valente"
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- Insect-based food: what is Brazilians' perception?Publication . Martins, Oliva M.D.; Bastos, Adriana de Fatima Valente; Beck, Ceres Grehs; Bucea-Manea-Țoniș, RocsanaThe current world population is expected to grow by fifty percent over the next few years. From this perspective, food supply and sustainability will be worldwide challenges. To identify alternative ways of feeding animals and humans, one solution is the introduction of edible insects, which are considered a viable and sustainable option. In recent years, the consumption of insects - or entomophagy - has become of increasing interest amongst scientists and ecologists as a potential and environmental source of animal protein and as a solution to reduce the worldwide problem of malnutrition. Furthermore, insects can be mass-produced with significantly lower use of land, water, fertilizers, pesticides, feed, energy, and other resources. However, in many western countries insects do not belong to traditional diet, and adopting them requires overcoming behavioral and cultural barriers, such as food neophobia and disgusting. Based on the premise that intention precedes behavior and perception significantly impacts intention, this study aimed to evaluate the factors influencing the willingness to try insect-based foods in countries where insects are not traditionally consumed, such as Brazil. The objective is to understand how to help people to change culturally ingrained eating habits, and encourage them to try insect-based foods. Based on an exploratory methodology, an online survey (n=347) was conducted to examine the key factors influencing Brazilian consumers' intention to try insect-based foods. The questionnaire's authenticity, internal consistency, and construct validity were established based on previously validated surveys conducted in Europe and adapted for the Brazilian context. Social beliefs were viewed as social pressure, whereas intention was understood as a committed choice. Several factors influence consumers' perceptions, including visual appeals, available information, familiarity with the food, and food preparation methods. Aiming to evaluate the data collected, a structured modelling equation analysis was applied and set out to assess the importance of perception in decision-making. In essence, visual issues have the biggest impact on perception, as well as the presentation of food aspects are an important indicator. In other words, the results emphasized the importance of consumer’s perception in the willingness to try insect-based foods. However, the main question remains: what strategies can help individuals challenge culturally ingrained eating habits and encourage them to try and even adopt insect-based foods? Among the various results, this research reinforces the perception, which has a huge influence on intention, as well as individual and social beliefs. In this sense, Social Marketing strategies are recommended as an asset for changing behaviours that benefit the individual, society, and the environment.