The Story

Experts are aiming to create an affordable and sustainable food source with the help of mopane worms, perhaps best known in the UK for being part of eating challenges on the TV show I’m a Celebrity.

In Zimbabwe, mopane worms are a commonly farmed food and a valuable source of nutrients.

The international project has modified existing local recipes and upscaled traditional rearing techniques used by mopane worm farmers, strengthening availability of the grubs and that of other edible bugs.

In the long term, it is hoped that this will improve the health and nutritional status of primary school children in some of the country’s poorest communities.

The innovative project has been made possible through a grant from UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) GCRF scheme and also involves experts from the University of Sheffield and three universities in Zimbabwe.

Abertay’s food programmes have strong links with the food and drink industry, and the expertise of the university’s academic staff is highly sought after by industry, professionals and the academic community.