The harvesting of and trade in various Non-Wood Forest Products (NWFP) has increased significantly over the last decade. In addition to other reasons for this, this increase has partially been the result of a need of rural communities, particularly in developing countries, to identify opportunities that can contribute to the generation of additional sources of much needed cash income on the one hand and an increase in demand of NWFP, especially those with medicinal values, in developed countries on the other. In many instances the sale of NWFP has made an important contribution to improved livelihoods of those involved although there are cases where this has been to the contrary. Apart from the issues this has raised related to for example, Intellectual Property Rights and benefit sharing, the issue of the sustainable utilisation of NWFP has also become of major concern. In light of this, many efforts have concentrated on how to maximise benefits from the trade in NWFP while at the same time ensuring the sustainability of these resources. The focus on the sustainable utilisation of these resources has not only been as result of concerns for the resource itself but also for the continued long-term benefit of producers from the trade in these resources. The aim of this study was to assess the socio-economic and ecological impact of certification on the sustainable use of devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) in Namibia.

Type of Case
Printed publication (book, sourcebook, journal article…)

Publisher
FAO

Region
Africa

Biome
Arid lands

Forest Type
All forest types (natural and planted)

Primary Designated Function
Production