Abstract:
This study sought to examine the utility of termites to rural households in depressed regions of Bikita, Zimbabwe.
Colonialism and its spread of European culture had viewed entomophagy with contempt resulting in reduced utilization
and consumption of termites in most colonies. In our quest to understand how people in depressed regions utilized termites,
both quantitative and qualitative methodologies were employed. Questionnaires and in-depth interviews were used to gather
data during field work. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used in recruiting respondents. Excel and content
analysis were used in data presentation and analysis. Results revealed that dampwood and drywood termites are climatic
indicators for the rural communal farmers, a low-cost technology in weather forecasting. Subterrain and mold builders
provide manure, relish, and are medicinal in nature. They are traded for income generation, and as for the poor, harvesting,
processing, storage, and marketing is cost effective. Though considered nostalgic foods, most respondents highlighted that
selling termites complimented other off-farm livelihood activities. Termite consumption and utilization provide a sustainable
way for livelihood diversification in depressed regions and has partly addressed problems of food insecurity.
