The evolution and impacts of mopane worm harvesting: perceptions of harvesters in central Botswana

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the evolution and impacts of mopane worm harvesting in central Botswana. Commercialisation of mopane worms has increased over the years and it is allegedly due to an ever-increasing demand both locally and regionally. Harvesters in some areas of southern Africa have employed new harvesting practices that quicken the harvesting process. Based on perceptions of the harvesters, the study assesses how harvesters in central Botswana have responded to the demand and how this response has impacted harvesting outputs. In order to assess motivations for harvesting, how harvesting trends have evolved over time and whether they have an impact on the mopane worms and their habitat, semi-structured interviews of harvesters were coupled with participant observations in the Tamasane-Kgagodi area, central Botswana. The survey was conducted during the harvesting season in December 2009. In contrast to previous studies this study revealed that harvesting methods have not changed significantly but that the number of mopane worms has declined due to climatic factors and over-harvesting due to a greater number of harvesters. People harvest mopane worms primarily for consumption and commercialisation purposes. The increasing number of harvesters is of concern and warrants active engagement of the government with rural communities to foster sustainable harvesting of mopane worms.