A government expert is advising Nicaraguans to try raising - and eating - iguanas.

The suggestion came in the heels of recent news that the country is suffering its worst drought in more than three decades. Guillermo Membreno, a land management expert with the Nicaraguan government, said iguana farming is a good way to combat the food shortages that the country is currently experiencing.

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In an interview with state online newspaper La Voz del Sandinismo, Membreno said iguanas contain dietary protein - at least 24 percent compared to the 18 percent protein in chicken. Aside from food, Membreno said there are also commercial uses for the reptiles.

Environmental laws in the country forbid residents to hunt iguanas between Jan. 1 and April 30 each year, but authorities said lizards can still be kept for food under special circumstances, such as in instances of prolonged drought.

Several countries in Central America, including Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, are facing a food crisis brought about by poor harvests and the rapid increases in the prices of staple items, such as beans, corn, tomatoes and pepper.

"Even if you've only got 10 iguanas, you've got something that offers food - and cash if you sell the iguanas for their meat, their skins or as pets," Membreno said.

Aside from the lizards, the government expert said residents can also benefit from growing moringa trees, which they can use as animal feed.

Membreno's advice was met with humorous reactions from some residents, including one Twitter user who posted that the iguana he was supposed to eat for breakfast ran away.

Iba a desayunar una iguana, pero se me escapó. Iba a comprar frijoles pero amaneció a 37 la libra... #Vivirbonito

— José Adán Silva (@Jasmnica) August 11, 2014

Government agencies, meanwhile, are becoming more and more concerned with the drought situation in the country. National livestock commission Conagan said some 2,500 cattle starved to death in July due to the drought.

TagsNews, World News, Society news, Society, drought, Nicaragua, iguana, Animals, reptiles