There is a great need of data on non-wood forest products in Namibia. It is not easy to distinguish the tourists who are entering the country mainly for ecotourism or just ordinary tourists.
1. There are many Non-Wood Forest Products used by local communities but not well counted in the national economy. There is an urgent need to promote such NWFP's that have been neglected so far.
2. It is also important to scientifically determine the nutrition content of many veld foods which are mainly popular among small ethnic groups, such as San people (Bushman).
3. Most of these plants strive very well under harsh conditions, as a result, they help many families during drought periods.
4. There is an urgent need to document more information on the NWFP. In the past, young boys were taught, while sitting around the fire and when looking after the livestock, which plants or animals were edible or used for what purpose. Similarly girls used to do the same when they spent much more time with their mothers. These days parents spend less time with their children. Hence, the transfer of the knowledge in a usual way is very limited.
5. It has been established that there is tremendous economic potential in Marula oil and wine production and marketing, especially in the north central regions. Similarly with manketti Nuts in Kavango.
6. Local communities are willing to participate and cooperate in developing products for commercial use.
7. With regard to some products which grow in unoccupied communal areas (e.g. Manketti) and mainly utilised by a group of people (e.g.. Bushmen), they should be commercialised with great care because the process may end up depriving a large number of the community members from the vital benefits and enriching a few individuals.
8. Forest is and will remain a habitat of wildlife which is and will continue attracting tourists to this country.
9. With more economic values attached to a big number of tree species, many people will double the efforts of caring for the trees.
10. Great care should also be taken to ensure that the resources are utilised for the benefit of the local poor. Local communities should not just be used to harvest products and get very little portion of the total value.
11. Devils Claw has established itself in the international market as a medicinal plant. More efforts are required to determine the best way of proper and sustainable management.
12. Many people depend on the income from hot liqueur known as Ombike or Katshipembe. More studies are required to determine the health-friendly way of producing such a drink.
