Household Dependence on Edible Caterpillars and Their Socio- Economic Implications in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Evidence from the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve

Abstract

Edible caterpillars are an important non-timber forest product in the Congo Basin, supporting rural household income, food security, and seasonal livelihood diversification. This study quantifies household dependence on edible caterpillars in eight villages surrounding the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve and assesses their socioeconomic contributions, harvesting practices, ecological impacts, and perceived effects of climatic variability. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was employed, combining structured household surveys (n = 46), key informant interviews, Rapid Rural Appraisal tools, focus group discussions, and forest inventories. Results indicate that edible caterpillars contribute an average of 32% to seasonal household income (July–October), rising to 48% among low-wealth households, functioning as a critical safety net during agricultural lean periods. Dependence is significantly higher among low-wealth households (χ² = 15.23, df = 4, p < .01) and those located farther from urban markets, with women and children comprising 72% of harvesters. Unsustainable practices, including tree cutting reported by 91.3% of respondents, cause substantial defoliation (41% in primary forests) and threaten host tree regeneration. Households report declining caterpillar availability since 2003, attributed to rainfall irregularity and forest structural change. These findings underscore the dual role of edible caterpillars as both nutritional and economic buffers, while highlighting ecological risks from overharvesting and climate variability. Sustainable management strategies should include non-destructive harvesting regulations, host-tree reforestation, gender-responsive training for women and youth, and integration of climate adaptation into local forest governance. Such interventions can reconcile livelihood needs with biodiversity conservation in biosphere reserve transition zones.