The aim of this study was to investigate the evolution and impacts of mopane worm
harvesting in central Botswana. Commercialisation of mopane worms has increased over
the years and it is allegedly due to an ever-increasing demand both locally and regionally.
Harvesters in some areas of southern Africa have employed new harvesting practices that
quicken the harvesting process. Based on perceptions of the harvesters, the study assesses
how harvesters in central Botswana have responded to the demand and how this response
has impacted harvesting outputs. In order to assess motivations for harvesting, how
harvesting trends have evolved over time and whether they have an impact on the
mopane worms and their habitat, semi-structured interviews of harvesters were coupled
with participant observations in the Tamasane-Kgagodi area, central Botswana. The
survey was conducted during the harvesting season in December 2009. In contrast to
previous studies this study revealed that harvesting methods have not changed
significantly but that the number of mopane worms has declined due to climatic factors
and over-harvesting due to a greater number of harvesters. People harvest mopane worms
primarily for consumption and commercialisation purposes. The increasing number of
harvesters is of concern and warrants active engagement of the government with rural
communities to foster sustainable harvesting of mopane worms.