Paper short abstract:

The Namibian government promotes the commercialization of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) to combat poverty and increase food security. This paper examines how the !Xun and Khwe San harvesters' livelihoods are complemented by the trade of NTFPs integrated into regional and global value chains.

Paper long abstract:

The Namibian government has been promoting the commercialization of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) since the 1990s in an effort to combat poverty and increase food security by ensuring sustainable livelihoods. This paper examines the extent to which the vulnerable !Xun and Khwe San harvesters' rural livelihoods are complemented by the trade of indigenous foods and medicinal products, particularly those integrated into regional and global value chains. As a result, the working conditions, employment prospects, and upgrading opportunities of the globally traded Devil's Claw were compared to those of regionally traded products, such as Natal Oranges. A mixed-method approach was applied to collect data in Okongo Constituency and Bwabwata National Park. Findings revealed that NTFPs contribute to the harvesters’ income generation, but this is not enough to sustain their livelihoods. Contrary to popular belief, neither regional nor global value chain integration led to improved livelihoods for the two indigenous San communities.

Keywords: Indigenous plant products, global value chains; regional value chains; vulnerable communities; sustainable livelihoods; food security