Abstract
Termites are a good food source, being rich in proteins, fats, vitamins and many essential mineral nutrients, and thus provide food security for poor households. We report on a survey conducted in the Vhembe District Municipality of Limpopo Province, South Africa, to identify edible termite species and find out how they are harvested, prepared, graded, packaged and marketed. We also looked at the socio-economic factors of the harvesters, marketers and consumers. Using a structured questionnaire, 104 individuals were interviewed from 48 villages. Most of the harvesters were over the age of 60 years but termites are consumed by the whole family. The results of the survey revealed that only three termite species are consumed: soldiers of Macrotermes falciger (89.90%), M. natalensis (8.08%) and M. michaelseni (2.02%). The preferred method of preparation was frying (77.55% of the respondents). At least 80.77% of the respondents indicated that some religions have restrictions on termite consumption but no ethnic restrictions were reported. The income derived from selling termites was estimated to range from ZAR2040 to ZAR17 680 per annum between April 2015 and April 2016. The results of this study showed that edible termites contribute significantly to the livelihoods of many rural families and this indigenous knowledge should be passed on to younger generations. Research on the sustainability of termite harvesting is recommended.
 Significance: 
 
 Termites are sources of food with high economic and social importance, and are easily accessible by the poor.
 Studies have been conducted on edible termites in many African countries, yet comparatively little is known about edible termites in South Africa.
 Preservation of indigenous knowledge used during harvesting and processing needs to be prioritised.
Highlights
The consumption of insects by humans is commonly known as entomophagy.[1]
The results of this study indicate that termites are contributing to the socio-economic well-being and food security of the people living in the district
Macrotermes termites play a significant role in food security in many communities in the Vhembe District, the indigenous knowledge of harvesting and preparation should be retained
Summary
The consumption of insects by humans is commonly known as entomophagy.[1]. Early hominids have been reported to have eaten insects, with termite soldiers and alates of the genus Macrotermes being part of their diet.[2,3]Termites are rich in proteins, vitamins and mineral nutrients.[4]. The consumption of insects by humans is commonly known as entomophagy.[1] Early hominids have been reported to have eaten insects, with termite soldiers and alates of the genus Macrotermes being part of their diet.[2,3]. Mbah and Elekima[5] found alates to be high in minerals, namely calcium 21 mg/100 g; phosphorus 1.36 mg/100 g; iron 27 mg/100 g and magnesium 0.15 mg/100 g. In addition to these nutrients, a study conducted by Banjo et al.[4] found that M. bellicosus has a carbohydrate content of 43.3%, while Mbah and Elekima[5] found that the oil content of the same termite species is 28.37%. Termites can provide food security in many poor African countries as they contain essential nutrients, which are often lacking in the diets of people in those countries.[7]
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