Challenges in harvesting Mopane worms in conservation areas: Perceptions from Vhembe district municipality

Abstract

Mopane worms are part of indigenous biodiversity and are indispensable in food security and livelihood in South African indigenous communities. However, the existence of the conservation areas prohibits the indigenous communities from harvesting mopane worms. Thus, this study explores Vhavenda’s indigenous people's perceived challenges towards harvesting mopane worms in conservation areas. A qualitative approach was used in this study; therefore, purposive sampling was used to sample 13 participants from Ha-Gumbu, Matiyani, and Bokmakieries from the Vhembe District in the Limpopo Province. The sampled participants were mopane worm traders, rural householders, and indigenous knowledge holders. The data was collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed through thematic data analysis. The study findings reveal that legal and regulatory barriers, accessibility and transportation, economic pressures and market dynamics, and environmental and climatic factors are the key challenges that hinder the indigenous communities from effectively harvesting mopane worms in conservation areas.

Keywords: {'name': 'Mopane worm, Indigenous biodiversity, Food security, Challenges, Mopane traders'}

Authors & affiliations

Takalani Ernest Dzhanngi
University of Venda

Thizwilondi Madima
University of Venda

Justice Makhanikhe
University of Venda

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