Zim traders source mopane worms from Botswana after a poor harvest

Zimbabwe's mopane worm supply is running dry, and traders are turning to Botswana, driving prices through the roof. With local stocks scarce, it's getting more expensive to satisfy the demand.

Traders turning to Botswana for mopane worms

• Poor local harvests have traders buying from Botswana this year.
• Gwanda and Plumtree saw weak harvests, leaving shortages behind.
• Vendors are now sourcing worms from Palapye, Selebi-Phikwe, and more.
• The added costs are pushing prices up, with buckets hitting US$50-$80.

High costs and border hurdles push up prices

• Transportation, permits, and accommodation make sourcing costly.
• Traders say price hikes are simply covering operational expenses.
• Customers are frustrated, but the costs are out of their hands.
• The situation could stay this way if local supplies don’t improve.

Strong demand despite soaring prices

• Urban areas are still keen on the protein-packed delicacy.
• Traders see the high prices sticking unless local harvests recover.
• Importing from Botswana is looking like a long-term necessity.