Mopane worm value chain in Zimbabwe: Evidence on knowledge, practices, and processes in Gwanda District

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278230
• Publication Date: 2022-12-05T18:27:11Z
• Authors: Faith A. Manditsera; Juliet Mubaiwa; Tonderayi M. Mats...; Prosper Chopera; Sandra Bhatasara; George Kembo; Honest Mahlatini; Faith Matiza Ruze...; Felix Matutu; John Grigor; Alberto Fiore; Lesley Macheka
• Keywords: Value chain; Traditional Knowledge

Consumption of edible insects is a potential solution to the growing need for protein. However, wild harvested insects’ value chain faces several challenges including limited knowledge on indigenous practices in harvesting and processing lack information roles different actors chain. A case study Gonimbrasia belina , colloquially referred as ’mopane worm’, was conducted understand identify determinants participation caterpillar. cross sectional Gwanda (a rural district Zimbabwe) (a) methods, (b) explore addition traditional beliefs surrounding utilisation mopane worm. Results showed that consumers (81.7%), harvesters (76.6%) were main worm Using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model, following shown be chain: gender household size (c) marital status (d) religion (e) assets. Two primary methods distinguished i.e., boiling roasting ambers. diversity worm-based products. Current culturally acceptable techniques improvement standardization support sustainable while optimising nutrient bio-accessibility.