Veta’s eco-friendly grasshopper trap boosts youth employment in Kagera

Dar es Salaam. The Vocational Education and Training Authority (Veta) has developed an eco-friendly grasshopper (Nsenene) harvesting trap aimed at promoting self-employment among young people and supporting small traders in the Kagera region.

Traditional harvesting methods used by the Haya people often involve deforestation and low capture rates, limiting income opportunities.

Veta’s modern trap is easy to make at home using local materials and helps separate grasshoppers from other insects, improving product quality and earnings.

“Our trap is designed with environmental protection and health safety in mind to combat climate change. It prevents insects from escaping and can be securely locked,” said vocational training instructor, Lucas Mayala at the 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF).

Since Nsenene are both a delicacy and cultural symbol among the Haya, this innovation could significantly boost incomes for harvesters and sellers. Veta has also introduced a locally made wood chipping and drilling machine, designed to be affordable and energy-efficient. Innovator Johnson Hokororo explained that most similar machines are imported and costly, but this version uses local materials and minimal electricity.

“It’s ideal for use across the country, especially now that electricity has reached most areas,” he said, adding that demand from traders is growing.

These innovations reduce reliance on expensive imports and empower young people and small entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses with tools suited to their needs.