Zimbabwean mopane worm (Madora/Amacimbi) traders are turning to neighbouring Botswana to keep stocks flowing, after a poor harvest this season.
The shortage has sent prices soaring across major markets in the country.
Vendors told CITE that while some provinces saw decent rains, mopane worms didn’t mature as expected in traditional harvesting areas like Gwanda and Plumtree, leaving local suppliers struggling for stock.
Tineyi Dube, who sells at Bulawayo’s 5th Avenue Market, said sourcing worms from Botswana has pushed up operational costs considerably. Said Dube:
“This year, local Amacimbi are very scarce, so we are now sourcing the product from Botswana.
“We travel to places like Palapye, Selebi-Phikwe and surrounding areas to buy different types such as amera, amapipi and umunondo.
“Transport costs are very high, and we also pay for permits from the Botswana wildlife authorities and Environmental Management Authority (EMA).
“When we bring the worms back home, all those expenses will be reflected in the final price. That is why a bucket is now going for between US$50 and US$80.”
Another dealer, Nomsa Ndlovu from Harare, said that for serious traders, sourcing mopane worms across the border has become the only viable option. She said:
“We used to rely on local harvesters, but this season supplies have been unreliable. In Botswana, we are able to buy in bulk, but the costs are high.
“Fuel, accommodation, transport permits and border charges all add up. By the time the amacimbi reach Harare, the price will have doubled.
“Customers think we are overcharging, but we are simply covering expenses.”
The traders said that while consumers are feeling the pinch, demand for the protein-rich delicacy remains strong, especially in urban centres where mopane worms are a popular relish.
They added that unless local supplies pick up in the next harvesting season, prices are likely to stay high as reliance on imports from Botswana continues.
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