Edible insects have been consumed for a long time by the inhabitants of various countries in West Africa. Data has been collected in Niger, Mali, Guinea Conakry, Burkina Faso, Benin and Togo and a number of different species recorded. Among the identified species, winged termites, crickets, locusts and caterpillars are the most commonly consumed. In the future edible insects could replace meat and offer a practical solution in terms of food security. Their rearing only produces limited amounts of greenhouse gases compared to cattle. Edible insects contain valuable nutritional elements for human consumption. They are rich in protein, iron and vitamin A, and have great potential to reduce acute food deficiencies in children under five years. In order to reach this goal, it is important to have a good knowledge of the relevant species and to conduct a thorough inventory in the field. It is also important to know where they are marketed and where they breed. Having a good knowledge of the biology of the species and their habitats, including details of their host plants, is essential. This is required to be able to work out their breeding behavior and the feasibility for production, in order to make a real impact on food security. It will also enable an income generating activity to be developed for the local population, and the potential for commercial production in industrialized countries to be explored.