A survey on entomophagy prevalence in Zimbabwe

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 check for this species in other resources was consumed by more than 90% of the respondents. In the order Isoptera Macrotermes check for this species in other resources sp. [ishwa] were consumed by more than 80% of the respondents. In the order Coleoptera Eulepida check for this species in other resources sp, [mandere] and Sternocera orissa check for this species in other resources [zvigakata] are also widely consumed. In the order Hemiptera only, Encosternum delegorguei check for this species in other resources [Haruwa] adult is consumed. In the order Homoptera only Loba leopardina check for this species in other resources [Nyeza nyeza] adult is consumed. In the order Hymenoptera only Carebara vidua check for this species in other resources [Tsambarafuta] adult is consumed. In the order Orthoptera Brachytrupes membranaceus check for this species in other resources [Gurwe], Locusta migratoria check for this species in other resources [mhashu] and Ruspolia differens check for this species in other resources [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.