The indigenous plant products industry in Namibia includes valuable plant species such as !Nara,devil’s claw, Hoodia, marula, Kalahari melon, Commiphora (omumbiri), marama bean and Ximenia (sour plum), all of which present rural communities with important income generating opportunities. The industry is significant for the national economy because of its growth potential. Demand in the international markets for natural ingredients is generally strong and growing, mainly for use in medicinal products and cosmetics. While the export volumes and value of some products have continued to increase over the years, other products have recently experienced a sharp decline in demand due to a number of internal and external factors affecting their supply and demand. Hoodia and Kalahari melon seed oil, for instance, show negative market outlook trends since 2010.

Nevertheless, projections from the market indicate that demand for natural, organic and Fair Trade products is picking up internationally, as consumers are becoming more aware of what they are putting on or into their bodies. As always, understanding consumers and market trends is critical for market access. Excluding income generated from hoodia and !nara seeds, as well as from the informal traders whose activities go unrecorded, income generated in between 2009 -2012 through INP sector production amounted to more than N$ 100 million. The harvesting of indigenous plants for both nutritional and economic value constitutes an important part of the livelihoods of many rural households in Namibia. Because informal activities are not recorded, the total number of people involved in the industry is not known, but an estimated 8 000 organized producers are currently directly involved in INP harvesting and processing. They are concentrated in communities in rural communal areas, who make use of the opportunity to produce products to generate additional income as a diversification activity.

Reports

» INP cosmetics market snapshot results

» Fair trade toiletries for the Namibian hospitality industry