Justicia Shipena
The Muduva Nyangana Conservancy and Community Forest (MN-CCF) in Kavango East has secured a price increase for Devil’s Claw, raising it from N$44 to N$50 per kilogram.
The negotiation took place in mid-April with off-taker Ecoso Dynamics and the Dryland Sustainable Landscapes Impact Program (DSL-IP) Project Management Unit.
The new price includes N$2 per kilogram for Namibia’s Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) mechanism.
This ensures that communities benefit from the use of local genetic resources.
“This is not just about money, it’s about dignity and long-term benefit,” said MN-CCF manager Max Muyemburuko.
“For the first time, we feel that our knowledge and our effort are being respected in the marketplace,” added Muyemburuko.
The deal follows support from the DSL-IP project. The project is funded by the Global Environment Facility, led by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and implemented by Namibia’s environment and agriculture ministries.
It supports sustainable land use, biodiversity protection, and community livelihoods.
MN-CCF aims to make Devil’s Claw harvesting a reliable source of income. It also wants to protect the region’s dryland ecosystems.
Harvesters received training and tools to support this goal.
In 2024, 47 harvesters completed training in Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP+), followed by 77 more in 2025.
Training was held in the local language.
More support is expected this year.
Despite progress, problems remain. Some harvesters started collecting before finishing their training.
This led to downgraded produce. Local leaders have introduced penalties for non-compliance to protect quality and buyer trust.
“Buyers want traceable, ethically sourced products,” said Gero Dickmann, managing director of Ecoso Dynamics.
He went on to say that Namibia’s devil’s claw has the potential to reach top-tier international shelves, but only if harvesters meet the highest standards.
In 2024, the conservancy earned N$40,202 from Devil’s Claw sales. Of this, N$4,068.50 went to management fees.
On average, each harvester earned at least N$1,500 from collecting 34 kilograms. The income helps cover basic needs like food, school, and health care.
All earnings for the conservancy are reinvested in training, quality control, and community services.
“Sustainability is our shared responsibility. Ecoso and the conservancy must walk this road together,” said Martin Kafuro of the Gciriku Traditional Authority.
