In parts of South Africa’s Limpopo province, a growing trade in edible insects is providing an alternative source of income for communities facing high unemployment and limited economic opportunities.
New research by University of Johannesburg academic Ndidzulafhi Innocent Sinthumule highlights how rural households are increasingly relying on locally available insects such as mopane worms and termites to sustain their livelihoods.
The findings point to a broader trend in which traditional food practices are evolving into small-scale commercial activities, particularly in areas where formal employment remains scarce.
Seasonal harvesting supports household income
One of the studies focused on villages in the Mopani District, where mopane worms — caterpillars that feed on mopane trees — are widely consumed and traded.
Harvesting typically takes place twice a year, with peak seasons occurring between November and January, and again from April to May. During these periods, households engage in collecting, processing, and selling the worms in local markets and nearby towns.
Women play a leading role in this sector, accounting for the majority of harvesters and traders. The process involves cleaning, boiling, drying, and grading the worms before they are sold.
While earnings vary, traders reported generating between R1,000 and R3,000 per season. For many households, this income is critical, with some communities relying almost entirely on mopane worm sales.
Termite trade and sustainability concerns
A separate study examined the role of termite harvesting in other Limpopo communities, where winged termites are collected both for consumption and for sale during specific months.
The research found that a significant portion of participants depended heavily on termite sales, with some reporting that it accounted for their entire household income during the peak trading season.
Despite its economic benefits, the expansion of insect harvesting raises concerns about environmental sustainability. Increased demand could place pressure on local ecosystems if not managed carefully.
However, Sinthumule noted that many communities already apply traditional ecological knowledge to regulate harvesting practices. These include restrictions on cutting live branches, limiting collection periods, and protecting host trees.
Such practices, he argued, demonstrate the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge systems into broader development strategies.
He recommended closer collaboration between government authorities, traditional leaders, and local communities to support and formalise the sector while ensuring long-term sustainability.
Source: The Conversation / University of Johannesburg research
