Zimbabweans Turn To Mopane Worms For Sustenance

Some poor households across Zimbabwe are now turning to the “mopane” worms or amacimbi/madora for sustenance reported NewsDay.

According to recent research from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) food security arm, the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FewsNet), mopane worms are available in near-record amounts this year. It said:

Across Zimbabwe, some poor households are engaging in petty trade and casual labour to earn income and collecting and selling seasonally available wild foods.

Since December, households have been harvesting, selling, and consuming mopane worms, also known as “amacimbi” or “madora”, particularly in the southern and western districts.

The highly-nutritious and popular worms are reportedly available in near-record amounts this year.

Buy Samsung, itel, Redmi smartphones in Zimbabwe

WhatsApp: +263715068543

The availability of seasonal domestic and wild fruits and vegetables is also supplementing household food consumption in some parts of the country.

Households are also increasing livestock sales with the start of the new school year.

FewsNet also noted that as demand for cereals increases through the lean season, market supply is declining, especially in most deficit-producing areas owing to a weakening local currency.