Devil's Claw: Help for Arthritis Sufferers and a Profitable Export
Devil's Claw is the name given to a wild-harvested plant found in certain areas of southern Africa which has anti-inflammatory properties of particular benefit to the elderly (for example in the treatment of arthritis). It has been estimated that there are approximately 10,000 gatherers of Devil's Claw in southern Africa who are also among the poorest and most vulnerable of its communities. Furthermore, a value chain has formed over time which seems to have resulted not only in significantly reduced terms of trade for the gatherers but also environmental implications as a result of over harvesting.
In 2003 a group of government and non-state representatives formed the Devil's Range State Working Group (DRSWG) comprising representatives from the Kalahari eco-zone: Namibia, Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe and RTFP is now working with them to promote improved livelihoods for the gatherers through enhancements in the value chain for their product.
A feasibility study looking at the value chain was carried out by the Natural Resources Institute of the UK (NRI) which aims to identify what causes low prices at the level of the harvester and what might be done to promote a value chain which is more equitable. A secondary objective of the feasibility study is to better understand how the power and governance of value chains limits the potential benefits of regional and international trade integration.
Initial conclusions were that value chains should be upgraded and traceability systems introduced through 'stewardship' contracts entered into between regional exporters, traders, permit issuing authorities and harvesters. The enforcement of sustainable harvesting on a rotational basis will also be important and it may be necessary to agree a limit on the supply if the region's harvesters are to have any influence on the buyers. The report will be finalised in the next quarter
Sustainable harvesting of Devil's Claw:A scientist from the National Museum of South Africa has been contracted to conduct research into the best harvesting practices for Devil's Claw and resulting effects on the chemical composition of the plant.
Possibly as a result of an increase in demand for Devil's Claw (particularly in Europe), detrimental harvesting techniques are being used with little thought for their long term impact. Cultivation is not simple and at present is unprofitable (ironically until the 1970s the plant was considered a weed and was eradicated).
The current rotation for harvesting is based only on casual observation and although people do replant the roots of the harvested plant, they do not look at the system as a whole.
The whole research programme will take three years and is being co-financed in the initial stages by RTFP. Project Proposal. 151 MB