Sustainable harvesting of Devil’s Claw: A Lifeline for Communities in the Kavango West

October 17, 2024

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bridging the gap between nature conservation, agriculture and governance, Namibia is witnessing a transformation in the management of its rural landscapes. Across vast northern Namibia, the NILALEG Project is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism and funded by the Global Environmental Facility through the United Nations Development Programme orchestrates a series of conservation and community upliftment efforts across five main landscapes, each hosting unique activities aimed at sustainable development. Among these, the Nkulivere Landscape in Kavango West stands out for its strategic focus on many nature-based sustainable use projects, among them the sustainable harvesting of Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens). This peculiar plant, recognised by its hook-like fruit, is not only celebrated for its anti-inflammatory properties but also as a cornerstone in the project's mission to enhance local livelihoods through the controlled and sustainable utilisation of natural resources.

However, sustainable harvesting presents its own set of challenges, particularly in market dependencies. Mukoya highlights a critical issue: “There is only one buyer...when you engage community members, you hear issues like they need diversity.” This limitation not only affects pricing flexibility but also exposes harvesters to the risks of market downturns. In response, the project promotes broader buyer engagement and combats illegal harvesting, which can both economically and ecologically undermine their efforts.

Central to the project's strategy is a robust training program. Werner details a peer-led education model that ensures best practices in sustainable harvesting spread throughout the community. “We train a 12-member committee from different villages on sustainable Devil’s Claw harvesting, and then they become trainers themselves,” he describes. This approach not only fosters community resilience but also ensures that sustainable methods are deeply ingrained across the region.

Werner Mbongo and Mukoya Nyangana, project coordinators with the Namibia Nature Foundation, are at the helm in Nkulivere. They explain the initiative’s dual goals: ecological sustainability and economic empowerment. “The main objective is sustainable livelihood improvement,” Mukoya says, noting the rich abundance of Devil’s Claw in the area which catalysed the project’s inception. The NILALEG team supports local harvesters with everything from training workshops to essential harvesting tools, ensuring that the plant's extraction is managed carefully to avoid depleting its wild populations.

For local residents like Shapi Sakeus and Haiyambo Regina Kapango, Devil’s Claw harvesting has become a lifeline. Shapi describes his journey into harvesting: “I harvest Devil’s Claw because I would like to improve my life. When you sell Devil’s Claw, you can pay your children’s school fees and buy food for your house. We can live from it.” Regina’s experience echoes this sentiment, “It changed my life a lot. Now I can start a business," highlighting the project's profound economic impact.

a man standing next to a tree — Tate Shapi Sakeus identifies a Devil's Claw plant

The economic and social benefits of the project are undeniable. Mukoya proudly states, “Our harvesters, when they do the harvesting, sell and the income is used at household level, improving their lives." He points to the increased adherence to sustainable methods and the growing number of locals registering as harvesters as key successes.

As the sun sets over the Nkulivere landscape, the promise of growth and sustainability looms large. With ongoing efforts to expand its reach and deepen its impact, the NILALEG Project is poised to set a global benchmark in sustainable natural resource management. Here in the Kavango West, through the roots of Devil’s Claw, a humble yet powerful plant, a vibrant future is being cultivated for Namibia's local communities. This project is more than just about harvesting — it’s about nurturing a sustainable future.