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<p>Mopane caterpillars (<i>Gonimbrasia belina</i>), rich in proteins and vital minerals, provide food security for impoverished households. Limited studies have examined how age, gender, and locality influence consumption, harvesting, and post-harvest practices, and data on contamination risks and related health implications are insufficient. A study in the Gwanda Rural District of Matebeleland South Province, Zimbabwe, investigated these aspects. Using semi-structured questionnaires, 138 value chain actors (collectors, processors, traders) from three wards and 182 respondents for the consumption survey were interviewed about value chain operations. The majority of respondents were female, aged 31–40, with 83.52% consuming mopane caterpillars. The most common harvesting methods were the knockdown method (40.3%) and hand-picking (44.0%), with charcoal roasting being the predominant processing method (93%). Polypropylene bags were the primary storage option (53.1%). Respondents consumed mopane caterpillars one to two times a week, averaging 45&#xa0;g per person, with 100&#xa0;g serving three to four people. Based on the responses, the majority of people consumed mopane caterpillars fried (69.8%), with a further 21.4% turning them into a relish. Health benefits were cited by 74.7% as reasons for consuming mopane caterpillars while 25.3% indicated negative health effects associated with consuming mopane caterpillars as a hinderance. The responses showed that 19.7% of respondents experienced gastrointestinal problems, and only 5.5% attributed the health issues to allergic reactions. The findings reveal significant regional and demographic variations in mopane caterpillar consumption, harvesting, post-harvest handling, and safety concerns. Safety concerns, particularly contamination during harvesting and processing, require improved practices and stricter regulations to improve food security.</p>

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Human consumption and indigenous knowledge of mopane caterpillars in Gwanda district, Matebeleland South Province, Zimbabwe: survey of mopane caterpillar practices in Matebeleland South

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  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年8月28日

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  • Tatenda Rumbidzai Murefu,
  • Alice Nakhumicha Muriithi,
  • Robert Musundire

摘要

Mopane caterpillars (Gonimbrasia belina), rich in proteins and vital minerals, provide food security for impoverished households. Limited studies have examined how age, gender, and locality influence consumption, harvesting, and post-harvest practices, and data on contamination risks and related health implications are insufficient. A study in the Gwanda Rural District of Matebeleland South Province, Zimbabwe, investigated these aspects. Using semi-structured questionnaires, 138 value chain actors (collectors, processors, traders) from three wards and 182 respondents for the consumption survey were interviewed about value chain operations. The majority of respondents were female, aged 31–40, with 83.52% consuming mopane caterpillars. The most common harvesting methods were the knockdown method (40.3%) and hand-picking (44.0%), with charcoal roasting being the predominant processing method (93%). Polypropylene bags were the primary storage option (53.1%). Respondents consumed mopane caterpillars one to two times a week, averaging 45 g per person, with 100 g serving three to four people. Based on the responses, the majority of people consumed mopane caterpillars fried (69.8%), with a further 21.4% turning them into a relish. Health benefits were cited by 74.7% as reasons for consuming mopane caterpillars while 25.3% indicated negative health effects associated with consuming mopane caterpillars as a hinderance. The responses showed that 19.7% of respondents experienced gastrointestinal problems, and only 5.5% attributed the health issues to allergic reactions. The findings reveal significant regional and demographic variations in mopane caterpillar consumption, harvesting, post-harvest handling, and safety concerns. Safety concerns, particularly contamination during harvesting and processing, require improved practices and stricter regulations to improve food security.