Zimbabweans importing amacimbi from Botswana

Following poor local harvests this season, amacimbi traders say they have been forced to source mopane worms from neighbouring Botswana, a development that has triggered sharp price increases across Zimbabwe's major markets.

Vendors say that although Zimbabwe received good rains in some provinces, mopane worms failed to mature in expected quantities in key and traditional harvesting areas such as Gwanda and Plumtree, leaving local dealers grappling with limited supply.

Tineyi Dube, who trades at 5th Avenue Market in Bulawayo, said the shift to Botswana has significantly raised operational costs. He explained that local amacimbi are very scarce this year, forcing traders to travel to Botswana to secure stock. According to Dube, they journey to towns such as Palapye and Selebi-Phikwe, as well as surrounding areas, where they purchase different varieties including amera, amapipi and umunondo.

He said transport expenses are high and traders are also required to pay for permits from Botswana's wildlife authorities and Zimbabwe's Environmental Management Authority (EMA). By the time the worms are transported back home, all associated costs are factored into the final selling price. As a result, a bucket of amacimbi is now selling for between US$50 and US$80.

Another dealer, Nomsa Ndlovu from Harare, said cross-border sourcing has become the only viable option for serious traders. She noted that while they previously relied on local harvesters, supplies have been unreliable this season. Although Botswana offers opportunities to buy in bulk, she said the cumulative costs of fuel, accommodation, transport permits and border charges significantly push up prices. By the time the product reaches Harare, she added, the price has often doubled, leaving customers frustrated despite traders merely trying to cover expenses.

A Bulawayo-based dealer, Themba Moyo, echoed similar sentiments, saying that while traders are able to buy directly from harvesters in Botswana, they must comply with strict regulations, including paying wildlife and environmental permits. He added that long-distance transport costs further compound the financial burden. Traders from Harare are also travelling south to secure supplies, intensifying competition for the limited stock available.

Despite the price hikes, traders say demand for the protein-rich delicacy remains strong, particularly in urban centres where mopane worms are a popular relish. However, they warned that unless local supplies improve in the next harvesting cycle, prices are likely to remain elevated due to continued reliance on imports from Botswana.