Arthropods, among which insects, are used as food for human beings for centuries. After the Asian continent Africa is second, where insects are consumed in large quantities. They are part of traditional food in many African countries. Consumptions increases currently both in rural and urban zones. For example species of the orders Coleoptera, Isoptera, Lepitoptera and Orthoptera are regularly eaten. Edible insects are a substitute to the consumption of bush meat, playing a role in food security, by fighting undernourishment of children or populations threatened by climate change. Health, rearing and packaging tests should be put in place for example in rural areas with most consumed local species to enable food security, long term conservation and revenue generating activities for the local populations.