Kheyi village and the surrounding villages where the mopani caterpillars grow are rural communities that live in impoverished conditions ($36 per month, statssa report,2022). There is very little employment and/or economic activities in this area. People in these areas rely on their grandparents or the elderly in the family that qualify to receive a government social grants ($109 per month, qualifying age is 60 years, www.sassagrants.co.za), which is not even enough to feed many family members.

Matomani was established out of how do I eliminate poverty for the community members where I grew up? How do I break the cycle of poverty for my community? How should I empower, educate and up-skill the community members to earn a decent living? How should I create economic and social inclusion? The answers came in a form of the edible insect superfood mopani caterpillars that the community members have been harvesting for generations.

Mopani caterpillars are a natural, organic, non-GMO raw material that has the purest protein 60%, high fibre, high iron and all essentials amino acids that a necessity for optimal health. Matomani creates employment for the local community thru the supply chain of mopani products. Matomani works with local harvesters to harvest the mopani caterpillars and procures the mopani raw product at a fair trade price from community members. Matomani empowers and gives training to local community on the importance and benefits of mopani caterpillars, the environment and preserving of and the mopani tree.

Lastly a portion of the profits are invested in the local communities where the mopani caterpillars are harvested.

When you are buying the Matomani products, you are supporting remote rural communities to earn a decent living and you bring dignity to people’s lives. You also support people that care about ecosystem and understand the importance of looking after the environment for future generations.