Esther Hara

Factors Influencing Edible Caterpillar Abundance in Kopa Chiefdom: the Case of Gynanisa Maja and Gonimbrasia Belina in Kopa's Chiefdom, Mpika District, Zambia Esther Hara

The sale of edible caterpillars in Chief Kopa's Chiefdom is the main economic activity through which the majority of the households earn income. Even though edible caterpillars have been harvested every year in the chiefdom, the annual abundance has been fluctuating such that the quantities of the harvests have also been varying. The book therefore focuses on factors that influence the variations in the yearly edible caterpillar abundance since a reduction in the abundance means less harvest for the households, resulting in less income and in turn reduced access to goods and services. Edible caterpillars show periodicity in abundance. There is a definite pattern of peak abundance. Beside entomological factors yet to be investigated the abundance seems to be influenced by the chitemene cultivation and climatic factors. The book is useful to researchers, government officials, policy makers and personnel in non-governmental organizations.