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Use of the Stinkbug, Encosternum delegorguei (Hemiptera, Tessaratomidae), for Food and Income in South Africa

The use of Encosternum delegorguei, an edible stinkbug with high nutritional value, is restricted to three distinct groups of people in the northeast of South Africa, the Bolobedu, the Mapulana, and the Vhavenda. The two latter groups consider stinkbugs a seasonal delicacy, whereas the Bolobedu do not enjoy eating stinkbugs but sell them in Thohoyandou and surrounding villages to the Vhavenda. Structured interview schedules with 106 harvesters indicated that an estimated total of 3803 ± 43.4 kg (mean ±SE) dry stinkbugs was harvested ( = 122.4 kg harvester−1 annum−1). Difficulties cited by harvesters include distances between harvesting areas or markets and the stinkbug's defense chemical. An annual gross income of = US$345, which can be procured from stinkbugs, contributes to improving rural livelihoods. Bolobedu women were the most successful sellers, with a mean annual income of US$746. Opportunities to reduce impediments to harvesting and selling in a sustainable framework are discussed.