Sinokubonga Nkala
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu,sukulwenkosi.dube@chronicle.co.zw
PRELIMINARY findings from research conducted by the Government through the Food and Nutrition Council (FNC) and tertiary institutions in Matabeleland South suggest that mopane worms possess high nutritional value capable of addressing malnutrition and stunted growth in children.
Speaking at a feedback meeting in Gwanda on Monday, FNC director-general, Dr George Kembo, highlighted the development of a pearl millet and mopane worm porridge, distributed to children aged 7-11 years in Gwanda District over six months. The children’s growth and nutrition were monitored, focusing on key indicators such as iron status, stunting, and weight gain.
Dr Kembo explained that the study compared the nutritional profile of a pearl millet porridge with one fortified with mopane worms. While both were nutrient-rich, the mopane worm blend showed significantly higher levels of protein, iron, and zinc.
A total of 215 children in Gwanda’s Ward 13 participated in the research, which forms part of a broader initiative titled “Insects 4 Nutrition.” The programme seeks to explore the role of edible insects in addressing micronutrient deficiencies in children.
Dr Kembo revealed that blood samples from participating children are now being analysed to determine changes in their mineral profiles.
“Government has committed to address all forms of malnutrition including food security and the importance of balanced dieting and better nutrition outcomes. We have undertaken a process where we look at the potential edible insects that are being consumed so that we look at the micronutrient composition and the mineralisation that we find in those insects,” he said.
Mopane worms, traditionally consumed as a delicacy, presented unique challenges during the study. Dr Kembo noted that children under two years could not consume the worms directly due to chewing difficulties. To address this, the worms were processed into a fine powder to create the porridge.
The research also considered the impact of climate shocks on mopane worm availability and explored methods for sustainable reproduction, such as using greenhouses. Worms used in the study were sourced from local communities, with traditional leaders and village health workers playing key roles in distribution and follow-up monitoring.
Dr Kembo said this initiative aligns with the Government’s commitment to addressing malnutrition through local solutions as outlined in the National Development Strategy 1.
“One of the Government’s aspirations defined in the National Development Strategy 1 is to ensure that we look for local solutions for our problems,” he said.
Dr Kembo also stressed the need for strategies to regulate mopane worm harvesting to protect local resources and incomes. He expressed concern over external harvesters exploiting the worms, which threatens their sustainability and community livelihoods.
The research was approved by the Cabinet’s food and nutrition committee.
Dr Kembo said a baseline was conducted to appreciate livelihood patterns, consumption of mopane worms, and harvesting practices to ascertain food safety issues.
The research also took into account climate shocks which have affected the occurrence of mopane worms. Dr Kembo said the project explored ways of reproducing mopane worms through methods such as greenhouses.
He said mopane worms that were used to produce the porridge were purchased from the community. Traditional leaders were engaged during the research. The millet was milled by National Foods which also distributed porridge to the community over a period of six months.
Village health workers delivered the porridge across households and follow-ups on the feeding exercise.
“We looked at the mineral characterisation of mopane worms and we realised that they are rich in protein and other minerals. We also looked at the mineral characterisation of traditional grains,” said Dr Kembo.
“We realised that the combination of small grains and mopane worms improved the nutrient characteristics of the product.”
Dr Kembo said they conducted research at the household level.
“The community responded well as there was a better appreciation of the consumption of mopane worms and traditional grains. The final indicator to conclude our research is the blood sample to determine whether there is an increase in the mineralisation of the blood,” he said.
Dr Kembo said they are now working on the analysis of the blood samples.
Speaking at the same meeting, Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary, Mrs Latiso Dlamini Maseko, commended the project, highlighting its potential to bring relief to one of Zimbabwe’s most food-insecure provinces.
“We would like to thank the Government for this project and the great work being done by the implementing institutions. In terms of food security, we are one of the worst affected provinces.
“The El Nino-induced drought has even made the condition worse as people have lost a lot of cattle. We are looking forward to seeing projects such as the mopane worm porridge bring relief to our communities,” she said.
The Insects 4 Nutrition programme aims to expand to other edible insects popular in different regions. Traditionally, mopane worms were ground into powders for various uses, but this practice is fading. By reviving such methods and integrating scientific approaches, the programme seeks to ensure better nutrition outcomes for both children and adults.
Micronutrient deficiencies, caused by the lack of essential vitamins and minerals, remain a significant barrier to growth and development. The research in Matabeleland South underscores the importance of utilising locally available resources to address these challenges, offering a sustainable model for other regions. — @DubeMatutu
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