Photo by jasperdoest | A few years ago, a doctoral-student friend in Uganda texted me about villagers working together at night to trap what were actually swarms of bush crickets, which become tasty, protein-filled snacks when salted and fried. I was transfixed by the greenish glow in the photos she texted: a light that people use to attract flocks of insects before dawn. Unfortunately, overharvesting and climate change could threaten this food of the future, and villagers have seen a rapid decrease in the numbers of bush crickets. To get the story right, I had to rely on the community. I withheld judgment on the practice and pointed out the economic and nutritional importance of the insect. I came to watch, experience, learn, and connect, as I believe it is through mutual understanding that we can find solutions. Follow me jasperdoest for more on the relationship between humankind and nature. #nsenene #uganda #crickets #grasshoppers