Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Dry Spell Kills Botswana's 'Edible Diamonds', Hitting Rural Communities

Mqondisi Dube

   PALAPYE, BOTSWANA - A prolonged dry spell in Southern Africa has caused
   a decline in mopane worms, a key source of income and food for rural
   communities in Botswana. Experts say over-harvesting of the
   protein-rich caterpillars has also affected breeding.

   Oduetse Keremang ekes out a living harvesting and selling what locals
   calls "edible diamonds" -- mopane worms, a caterpillar and seasonal
   delicacy in Botswana.

   But this year, harvesters like Keremang expect little income, as
   southern Africa's prolonged drought means fewer worms, known locally as
   "phane."

   Keramang says the dry spell has killed many mopane worms. But despite
   the drought, she travels to faraway mopane woodlands to harvest the
   worm. She says the caterpillars are her way of life, or her children
   will starve.

   The caterpillar is harvested in the woodlands, cooked and then dried.

.