DEVILS CLAW

The genus Harpagophytum comprises two species, H. procumbens (with two sub-species, procumbens and transvaalensis) and H. zeyheri (with three sub-species, zeyheri, sublobatum and schijffii). It occurs in Namibia, Botswana, South Africa and possibly Zimbabwe. H. zeyheri occurs in these four countries as well as in Angola, Zambia, and Mozambique. Devil's Claw as it is more commonly known is a perennial prostrate vine that grows in deep Kalahari sands. The plant has a strong taproot with a number of secondary storage tubers growing off it - these tubers are listed in the European Pharmacopoeia and are used mainly in the treatment of rheumatism and arthritic ailments.

CRIAA SA-DC started the pilot phase of the Sustainably Harvested Devil's Claw (SHDC) project in 1997 at Vergenoeg farm. The majority of the SHDC participants are ethnic San who have lived in this area for many centuries. The focus has been to produce a high quality, certified organic, sustainably harvested product that maximises returns for the harvesters.

The project has been funded by the Oxfams in Namibia (including Oxfam Canada, Intermon of Spain and Oxfam UK and Ireland), the European Delegation in Namibia through the Food Aid Counterpart Fund, the Canada Fund, Namdeb Social Fund and ILO INDISCO.

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