This study was to determine the prevalence of entomophagy in the post independence
era (after 1980) in Zimbabwe given that the social status of many families has
changed. A cross-sectional non probability sampling was used to determine who ate
which insect and how much they ate and where they came from. The availability of
each insect was determined at provinces and through key informants. Data were
collected through questionnaires and physical visits to all provinces of Zimbabwe to
collect empirical data. The population of those that never participated in entomophagy
was less than 10% across the age groups in the sampled populations. In the order,
Lepidoptera, which comprises several species the larval stages are mostly consumed in
the fourth instar after degutting. The caterpillars are known locally as
madora.
Imbrasia belina
was consumed by more than 90% of the respondents. In the order Isoptera
Macrotermes
sp. [ishwa] were consumed by more than 80% of the respondents. In the
order Coleoptera
Eulepida
sp, [mandere] and
Sternocera orissa
[zvigakata] are also
widely consumed. In the order Hemiptera only,
Encosternum delegorguei
[Haruwa]
adult is consumed. In the order Homoptera only
Loba leopardina
[Nyeza nyeza] adult
is consumed. In the order Hymenoptera only
Carebara vidua
[Tsambarafuta] adult is
consumed. In the order Orthoptera
Brachytrupes membranaceus
[Gurwe],
Locusta
migratoria
[mhashu] and
Ruspolia differens
[Nswabanda] are consumed. Records of
quantities of insects harvested are here presented. Protein content of fully grown
Imbrasia belina done by the Kjeldahl method was 54-58%. Matebeleland province
had the highest tonnage of insects, most of which were exported to other provinces
even to neighbouring countries. Manicaland harvested the least quantities of insects.
Most of those who consumed insects preferred them in the dried form which were
said to have improved organoleptic properties. Drying the insects prolonged their
shelf life. Food security strategies for Zimbabwe should include management of
harvesting and storage of these insects.
