An Analysis of Access in Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum Spp.) Harvesting and Trade in Namibia

Abstract Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum spp.) is a wild plant harvested from Namibia and traded in the international market. This article examines the historical and current social and political-economic relations that determine the mechanisms of access by which benefits from devil’s claw are derived by harvesters. Based on qualitative research, the article reveals how colonialism, traditional authority and community-based natural resource management shape access to markets, knowledge, technology, capital, authority and harvesting rights. Harvesters benefit primarily through the provision of income and in some cases, the delivery of training, equipment and reduced permit fees. Benefits did not alleviate producer dependencies and inequalities were reinforced at the intersection of race, class and gender. Considering new access and benefit-sharing legislation in Namibia, the article highlights caveats that may perpetuate, rather than alleviate, inequitable trade relations and suggests a (re)interpretation of access and benefit-sharing in implementation toward transformation of wild plant industries in Southern Africa.