Nutritional factors associated with distribution of Mopani Worms in Mopani woodlands in Tsholotsho and Gwanda Districts, Zimbabwe: A comparative survey

Abstract

Mopani worms are abundant in Gwanda and sporadic in Tsholotsho though the two areas have similar climatic conditions. The study sought to determine nutritional factors that could be associated with distribution of Mopani worms in these two districts. Ten sampling points in undisturbed Mopani woodlands were established in each district. Samples were collected and analysed in the lab to determine the levels of crude protein, tannin and natural detergent fibres levels in leaves and pH, Nitrates, Phosphates and Potassium levels in soil and Welch’s test, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney, Analysis of Variance and the Bonferroni Confidence Intervals were employed to test for significance in the observed differences. Findings showed differences in tree size and leaf length whilst the differences of all other variables (non-extractible tannis, extractible tannis crude protein levels and natural detergent fibres) relating to leaf sample analysis were not statistically significant. Findings on soil sample analysis pointed out that Gwanda had higher pH, Phosphorus and Potassium levels whilst Nitrates were significantly higher in Tsholotsho. Differences in the tree sizes and leaf sizes of the samples from the two sites show that there could be host selection based on these variables.

Mopane worm value chain in Zimbabwe: Evidence on knowledge, practices, and processes in Gwanda District

“…The study was conducted in a mopane woodland zone of Gwanda a rural district in Zimbabwe. Gwanda District was selected as the study site based on several considerations, particularly, the abundance of mopane worms in the district [ 17 ] and the general conditions of rural development in southern Africa characterized by high levels of poverty and diversified livelihoods.…”

“…8% DM) and considerable proportions of minerals (approx. 1.33% DM) [ 16 , 17 ]. However, mopane worm also contains high levels of lysine, tryptophan, and methionine and a considerable amount of antinutritional factors such as chitin [ 18 ].…”

“…The significance of this study is in that the mopane worm value chain is a main source of income for many households in Gwanda District [ 17 ], yet this value chain is still underdeveloped [ 16 ]. This study therefore gives insights into the mopane worm value chain, the actors involved and identifies the available opportunities and barriers in participating in this value chain.…”