It's relish galore at Amarika and neighboring villages in the Omusati Region, as residents are currently harvesting the popular worms called Okatalashe, which live on thorn trees.

Some harvesters from faraway villages come to camp in various areas after traveling long distances daily in search of the worms, which are found on little thorn trees and shrubs in specific villages.

The annual occurrence provides an opportunity for locals to get free relish for their own consumption as well as to sell.

One villager, Laimi Shigwedha, says she has been harvesting the worms by scaling the area on foot as they collect the edible delicacy.

She says she camps in the bushes and processes her collection immediately, an exercise she says helps her to sustain her family as she is unemployed.

"The main aim is to get an income from collecting these worms so that I can pay off some household expenses and assist my children. The leftovers will be a relish for the family, and you are well aware that life has become so expensive nowadays. Collecting Okatalashe is difficult as it gives me back pain, but I have to do whatever it takes to get an income."

The undertaking is both a lucrative opportunity as well as a dangerous one, as the areas are infested with deadly snakes that pose a danger to the worm collectors.

Last year, a woman was bitten by a snake in her tent and died instantly, while her friend miraculously survived the incident in the Uuvudhiya constituency.

"We just sleep with the fire on because we hear lions roaring near our camps, and we are scared, but we have no choice. There is also no water, so we rely on the people that come here to sell water, which costs N$10 for 25 litters. There is also no network here, so if one gets sick, we are unable to communicate for help, but it's a risk we are willing to take."

The seasonal Okatelashe is sold at most open markets and restaurants.