Abstract
Mopane worms have traditionally been harvested for subsistence purposes, however, in
recent times, there has been increased commercialisation of these worms. In Muyexe
and Nsavulani villages (falling under Mopani District), local communities have been selling
mopane worms for the past two decades. A survey was undertaken in these two villages
in June and July 2023 to document the process involved in the commercialisation
of mopane worms—from raw material harvesting to a commodity sold to generate cash
income, and to assess the importance of the trade for livelihoods and poverty alleviation
of households. Interview-administered questionnaires were used as the main data
collection tool, and systematic random sampling was used to select 161 households in
Muyexe village and 82 households in Nsavulani village. The questionnaire that included
closed- and open-ended questions covered the socio-economic profile of respondents,
mopane worms’ availability and procurement, processing of mopane worms, marketing,
trading of mopane worms and livelihood benefits from selling mopane worms.
Closed-ended questions were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences,
while open-ended questions were analysed using thematic content analysis. The
study found that most of the harvesters in Muyexe (69% n = 111) and Nsavulani (59%
n = 48) villages were females. Most harvesters in Muyexe (97%; n = 156) and Nsavulani
villages (98%; n = 80) preferred degutting mopane worms at home, whereas only
five and two respondents in Muyexe and Nsavulani villages, respectively, degut them
in the harvesting fields. The researcher found that mopane worms are harvested for
both household consumption and trade—this is in line with Sustainable Development
Goal 1 (no poverty) and 2 (zero hunger). Most harvesters in Nsavulani village who trade
mopane worms reported making between R2,100 ($113.79) and R3,000 ($162.55),
whereas most harvesters in Muyexe village make between R1,000 ($54.18) and R2,000
(108.37) per season. The study found that 55% of households in Muyexe village and
70% in Nsavulani village derive income only from mopane worm sales. Although the
income earned from the sale of mopane worms is seasonal, it is highly appreciated by
communities and plays a significant role in alleviating poverty and improving their lives
and livelihoods.