University of Greenwich to help boost Namibia's economy
Namibia’s rich source of natural oils, fruits and wild plants are in increasing demand around the world for their cosmetic, medicinal and health-giving properties. Now the University of Greenwich is helping local people bring their harvests to the global market and boost their economy.
Particularly popular are the fruit of the Marula tree, which boasts four times more vitamin C than an orange and has a kernel rich in oils, and Devil’s Claw, which has been acclaimed for its abilities to relieve pain and inflammation.
Sustainable farming and harvesting experts from the Natural Resources Institute (NRI) at the University of Greenwich at Medway are working with Namibian non-government organisations and local producers. They are aiming to ensure the future of these important plants and significantly increase the benefits for the south-west African country’s economy.
Backed by funding from the Namibian Millennium Challenge Account and the US government’s bid to tackle global poverty, the NRI scientists have been chosen for a four-year £2.8 million (USD 4.3m) project.
They are assisting with the development of sustainable harvesting and production systems for indigenous plants and fruits, and working with local producers to help them build their capacity for high-quality produce and compete in a global market place while ensuring they receive a fair price for their harvests.
Ben Bennett, Project Director and an NRI agricultural marketing economist at the University of Greenwich, says: “We are building on the innovative work of Namibia’s harvesters and other service providers. We are linking them to high value markets such as the international cosmetics sector where some of their local plant species and their oils are highly prized for their unique properties such as those used in anti-ageing cosmetics.
“We are also working with Kalahari communities that gather Devil’s Claw tubers, a popular herbal remedy in Europe. Namibia produces 95 per cent of the world’s supply of this remedy which many people use for arthritis, rheumatism and back pain.
“Marula is also generating a lot of interest for its distinctive flavour which is currently used in a liqueur. Its high levels of vitamins and its novel flavour could make it even more popular and we will be striving to ensure the trees are conserved and that the growing market for the fruit bears dividends for impoverished rural communities.”
The university team was selected for the project because of its longstanding strong relationships and partnerships with Namibian non-government rural development organisations including the Centre for Research Information Action in Africa – Southern Africa Development and Consulting (CRIAA SA-DC), Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC) and the Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF).
Mr Bennett has previously led projects investigating the potential agricultural and economic development of other indigenous plants for export from southern Africa including the Baobab tree.
He says: “As the lion is the iconic animal of Africa so the Baobab is the iconic tree of the continent. It is drought resistant and is used for a great many different purposes but it could become a major export product providing a much-needed boost to the economy.”
“Baobab flour is a versatile product that has a fantastic vitamin profile. The recent EU approval to exporting it to Europe is an opportunity to develop a supply chain that marries sustainable wild harvesting with safe use in everyday products like smoothies and cereal bars.
“It could ultimately become a billion dollar industry and provide employment for more than 2.5 million households, which would be a great boost in the fight against poverty and starvation.”
Ends
For further information and additional images please contact:
Nick Davison
Press Officer
University of Greenwich
020 8331 8092
Photo caption:Commiphora resin, very similar to myrrh, collected by the Himba people of north-west Namibia and highly prized within the cosmetics industry.