INP PPO Quarterly Progress Report 7 - Millennium Challenge ...

Indigenous Natural Products 

Producer and Processor Organisations Sub-activity 

Quarterly Progress Report 7 

June 2012 

Commissioned by the 

Millennium Challenge Account 

Namibia with funding from the 

Millennium Challenge 

Corporation

PROJECT DETAILS 

QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT 7 

(Report Reference Number 16) 

Project Name: Indigenous Natural Products Producer and Processor 

Organisations Sub-Activity 

Project ID: MCAN/COM/RFP/3C01001-A 

Project Sponsor: Commissioned by the Millennium Challenge Account Namibia 

with funding from the Millennium Challenge Corporation 

Reporting Period: 1 st March 2012 - 31 st May 2012 

Report Submission Date: June 2012 

Team Leader: Karen Nott (acting) 

Contact details: Tel: +264 (0)61 228509 

Suggested citation: NRI (2012b), ‘Quarterly Progress Report 7’, MCA-N Indigenous Natural 

Products Producer and Processor Organisations Sub-activity Report Number 16, Natural 

Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, UK. 

Front cover: Signing DC annual 

buying agreements between 

Ecoso and Orupupa 

Conservancy, April 2012 

Photo: Dave Cole

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Quarterly Progress Report #7 

LIST OF ACRONYMS .......................................................................................................................... ii 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...................................................................................................................... 1 

1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 5 

2. ESSENTIAL OILS ......................................................................................................................... 6 

2.1 Commiphora ........................................................................................................................... 6 

2.2 Mopane .................................................................................................................................. 8 

2.3 Sarcocaulon ............................................................................................................................ 8 

3. LIPID OILS .................................................................................................................................. 9 

3.1 Marula .................................................................................................................................... 9 

3.2 Ximenia ................................................................................................................................. 15 

4. DEVIL’S CLAW ......................................................................................................................... 20 

5. MARKETING ............................................................................................................................ 33 

5.1 INP Market Development Plan ............................................................................................. 33 

5.2 Value Chain Specialist activities relating to Lipid Oils .......................................................... 35 

5.3 Modified Product and Market Development Status Dashboard .......................................... 37 

6. OTHER ACTIVITIES................................................................................................................... 39 

7. MONITORING AND EVALUATION ........................................................................................... 41 

8. PROJECT RISKS ........................................................................................................................ 45 

9. OUTSTANDING ISSUES AND RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................ 47 

ANNEX A. SERVICE AGREEMENTS ............................................................................................... 48 

ANNEX B. SUMMARY OF STATUS OF PREPARATION OF TRAINING MODULES........................... 52 

ANNEX C. SUMMARY OF EXISTING PPIG CONTRACTS ................................................................ 54 

ANNEX D. WORK PLAN FOR 2012 ................................................................................................ 57 

ANNEX E. ESSENTIAL OIL AND FRAGRANCE MARKET BRIEF ........................................................... 

ANNEX F. XIMENIA OIL FROM NAMIBIA: A VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS ............................................. 

INP PPO Sub-activity i

#7 Quarterly Progress Report 

LIST OF ACRONYMS 

AGM Annual General Meeting 

CBO Community Based Organisation 

CDSS Conservancy Development Support Services 

CF Community Forest 

CFT Community Fair Trade 

CRIAA SA-DC Centre for Research Information Action in Africa-Southern Africa 

Development and Consulting 

DC Devil’s Claw 

DCD Division of Cooperative Development 

DoF Directorate of Forestry 

EFSA European Foods Safety Authority 

EU European Union 

EWC Eudafano Women’s Cooperative 

EWMM Eudafano Women’s Marula Manufacturing Pty Ltd 

FFEM Fond Francais pour l’Environnement Mondial 

GSI Gender and Social Integration 

HACCP Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Path 

IF Innovation Fund 

IFAD International Fund for Agricultural Development 

INP Indigenous Natural Products 

IRDNC Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation 

KAP Katutura Artisans Project 

KCCA Kunene Commiphora Conservancies Association 

MAWF Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry 

MC Management Committee 

MCA-N Millennium Challenge Account Namibia 

MCC Millennium Challenge Corporation 

MET Ministry of Environment and Tourism 

MTI Ministry of Trade and Industry 

NEOi Namibian Essential Oil Innovation Project 

NNF Namibia Nature Foundation 

NRI Natural Resources Institute 

ii INP PPO Sub-activity

OC Organic Certification 

OPF Opuwo Processing Facility 

PPIG Primary Production Improvement Grant 

PPO Producer and Processor Organisation 

PTA PhytoTrade Africa 

Q7 Quarter 7 of Sub-activity (Q6 = Quarter 6 etc.) 

QPR Quarterly Progress Report 

Tbc To be confirmed 

THMPD Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive 

TK Traditional Knowledge 

TM Trainers’ Manual 

TR Training Activity 

TS Technical Support 

TTP Tulongeni Twahangana Producers 

UEBT Union for Ethical BioTrade 

UM Users’ Manual 

UoG University of Greenwich 

US United States of America 

VCS Value Chain Specialist 


INP PPO Sub-activity iii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

Introduction 


This is the 7 th Quarterly Progress Report (QPR7) to the Millennium Challenge Account Namibia 

(MCA-N) for the Indigenous Natural Products Producer and Processor Organisations (INP PPO) 

Sub-Activity, and covers the period from 1 st of March 2012 to 31 st of May 2012. 

The purpose of the report is to describe how the Natural Resources Institute (NRI) is achieving 

the objectives and milestones for all the tasks of the Sub-Activity that have been set out in the 

work plan as detailed in the Inception Report. This section summarizes the key findings of QPR7 

and stresses the highlights. 

Progress against project indicators shows that: 

NRI has now signed service contracts with 58 PPOs. The target for this stage of the Sub- 

Activity was 35 PPOs. The overall target is 60 PPOs. 

NRI has mobilized and trained 6,027 INP producers (3,322 female and 2,705 male) 

compared with a target of 4,500. 

Of the producers mobilized and trained, 3,960 have received training in sustainable 

harvesting techniques (1,972 female and 1,988 male) compared with a target of 750. 

The cumulative value of PPIGS that have been signed with PPOs is US$ 79,090.92 

compared to a target of US$ 100,000. 

10 PPOs have now formulated and use a business plan compared with a target of 15. 

13 Resources Management plans have been complete compared with a target of 13. 

Three PPOs have been organic certified. The Q7 target was zero. 

Sales of INP’s in Q7 were N$ 422,366 entirely from Devil’s Claw (see figure below). This 

represents a significant increase from the same time last year and reflects the increase in Devil’s 

Claw PPOs working with the project. No sales were recorded during Q7 for our other INPs. 

0 

0 

INP Sales to Date (N$ '000s) 

Quarterly sales Cumulative sales 

186 186 58 

244 

802 

558 

2227 

3029 3040 

11 

422 

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6 Q7 

3462 

INP PPO Sub-activity 1


Essential oils 

(a) Commiphora 

Key technical problems facing the Opuwo Processing Facility have been overcome during the 

quarter including the high attrition rate of consumables (particularly metal baskets in the still) 

and installation of a test still which will allow technical parameters to be ascertained more costefficiently 

in future. 

NRI partner Phytotrade Africa has submitted an ‘Essential Oil and Fragrance Market Brief’ 

(Annex E ) which gives stakeholders important insights into the functioning of this value chain. 

All tested species of Commiphora have been checked by the commercial partner for safety and 

toxicity and are acceptable to the commercial partner. 

(b) Mopane 

No mopane oil production was undertaken during the quarter as commercial demand is not 

assured. Test results from earlier mopane oil sample indicate a need for more trials to manage 

product variation. Existing stock of Mopane seeds have been disposed of by emptying the bags 

onto the ground in a mopane woodland area where they can decompose naturally. Fresh 

material will be purchased once a market has been established. 

(c) Sarcocaulon 

Further testing of Sarcocaulon will not take place until feedback is received from the commercial 

partner. 

Lipid oils 

(a) Marula 

Marula oil production has demonstrated some persistent quality issues, particularly 

contamination of kernels. Eudafano Women’s Cooperative (EWC) will be assisted to locate the 

causes of the problem and address it in future harvests. 

EWC member associations received 21 technical support activities and 7 training events 

delivered to various associations. 

Children and young teenagers often help mothers and grandmothers harvest marula. NRI and its 

partner CRIAA SA-DC have identified the need for a “Code of Conduct” and mitigation plan for 

assistance of children in the harvesting and processing of marula. This novel approach will be 

piloted at EWC during the next harvest/processing season (mid-year 2013). 

Little marula oil was marketed in the quarter, but income was maintained by sales of marula 

juice. A total of 36mt of whole marula fruit were either collected or delivered to the factory and 

sales of fruits have reached N$ 11,742 to producers. In total EWC expect to sell N$ 65,000 worth 

of juice from 3,700 litres, an important contribution to income and turn-over between marula oil 

sales periods. 

Market contacts generated during the quarter include Harrits Marula Quality Products from 

Germany) and The Body Shop International. The latter have traditionally purchased Namibian 

lipid oils but have a new African Buyer which represents an opportunity to reconnect with an 

important cosmetic brand. 

2 INP PPO Sub-activity


(b) Ximenia 

Demand for Ximenia oil is currently strong but supply is short due to frost and rain in the 

production areas. A plan to maintain minimum supplies to keep this market open is being put in 

place. 

NRI and CRIAA SA-DC have supported the key supply PPOs represented by Tulongeni 

Twahangana Producers (TTP) to work towards overcoming their institutional challenges. The 

challenges relate to the decision-making structures within TTP as well as their legal status. TTP is 

applying for provisional registration as a co-operative. NRI and CRIAA SA-DC are focussing 

resources on solving these difficult issues with short-term interventions and long-term solutions, 

including institution and organisational strengthening and capacity building. 

Current demand in the EU for crude Ximenia oil from species Ximenia americana var. americana 

is at least 8mt (about 2 delivered now, 2 more towards the end of 2012 and 4 in 2013). 

NRI delivered “Ximenia oil from Namibia: a value chain analysis” (Annex F) during the quarter, 

prepared by Phytotrade Africa and this was presented at an international conference on 

BioTrade in Windhoek, in May. 

Devil’s Claw 

This quarter was the main Devil’s Claw harvesting season. A total of 24 individual training events 

were conducted and 42 technical support activities provided. These were mostly focused on 

harvesting registration, practices and permit issues as well as contract negotiations and 

monitoring. 

All existing service agreements for Devil’s Claw PPOs have been reviewed for 2012 and new 

service agreements signed with an additional four PPOs. 

PPIG grants to a value of N$ 55,470.18 (US$ 6,557.07) were approved and delivered to four 

Devil’s Claw PPOs 

A small scale Devil’s Claw enrichment planting trial has been initiated in Vergenoeg and 

Gemsbokfontein. It is too early to report the results of this work. 

Some serious problems have been experienced with the local interpretation of the Devil’s Claw 

Policy by Ministry of Environment and Tourism officials. These include: 

MET insisting on each individual village within a PPO having a permit but only applying 

this rule in certain harvesting areas; 

Limiting each village permit to 25 people. 

Not issuing permits to villages which are not gazetted Conservancies despite this not 

being in the Policy; and, 

Requiring Kunene PPOs to travel to Outjo to obtain permits (rather than issuing them in 

Opuwo). 



At the time of writing this report these issues remain largely unresolved. The service providers’ 

first priority is to support the PPOs to obtain the harvesting permits so that harvesting activities 

can go ahead. A meeting is scheduled for 11 June 2012 with MET and further training for MET 

Regional officers before the start of the 2013 season has been discussed. 

Figures available to date indicate that 58% of Devil’s Claw Harvesters are women. 

A cross-visit with Devil’s Claw harvesters and officials in Zambia was conducted. A lot of Zambian 

Devil’s Claw seems to have found its way into Namibia this season and collaboration between 

IRDNC and Zambian colleagues is underway. 

A Value Chain Analysis for Namibia Devil’s Claw is under preparation and should be available in 

the next quarter. 

Interviews with key European buyers of Devil’s Claw during the quarter have revealed there is 

potential for a ‘Premium Namibian Devil’s Claw’ product with added qualities such as purity 

guarantees and certification. NRI and its partners will explore this further in the coming months. 

Other activities 

NRI’s Value Chain Specialist held a workshop with stakeholders during the quarter to ‘refresh’ 

the INP PPO marketing strategy, agree targets for the Innovation Fund 3 rd Round and coordinate 

with other donor initiatives. 

NNF and NRI hosted a high level delegation from MCC and MCA-N at a training event held at the 

Mashare Training Centre with the Kavango PPOs in May. 

Key issues and recommendations 

We are concerned about the implications of inconsistent and inappropriate application of the 

Devil’s Claw policy on our ability to attain the targets for Devil’s Claw sales. Though a meeting 

between the interested parties was planned, the damage to harvesting effort may have already 

occurred. We recommend that this issue is closely followed by MCA-N, NRI and service 

providers. Further training of MET Regional officers before the start of the 2013 harvest season 

is under discussion. 

The complex issue of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Kunene Commiphora 

Association and Phytotrade has still to be resolved. Although NRI, IRDNC and IPTT are members 

of Phytotrade, the PPOs are not. This creates the need for a clear mandate from the PPOs for 

Phytotrade to negotiate with V. Mane Fils on their behalf. We will continue to work on this in 

the next quarter. 

Inclement weather has hit this year’s ximenia harvest. This has come at a time when demand for 

ximenia is strong. NRI and CRIAA SA-DC are making every effort to supply the market this year 

and find resolutions for next season that are sustainable. 


1. INTRODUCTION 


This is the 7th Quarterly Progress Report (QPR7) submitted to the Millennium Challenge Account 

Namibia (MCA-N) for the Indigenous Natural Products Producer and Processors Organisations 

(INP PPO) Sub-Activity, and covers the period from 1 st March to 31 st May 2012. 

The report has been compiled by the Sub-Activity implementation team of the Natural 

Resources Institute (NRI), University of Greenwich (UoG) and the three Namibian service 

providers: Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC); Centre for Research 

Information Action in Africa Southern Africa-Development and Consulting (CRIAA SA-DC); and 

Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF). 

The purpose of the report is to describe how the implementation team is achieving the 

objectives and milestones for all the tasks of the Sub-Activity that have been set out in the work 

plan as detailed in the Inception Report approved in August 2010. 

The objectives of the Sub-Activity are to enable an increased number of poor rural communities 

to generate sufficient supplementary incomes to significantly improve their livelihoods by the 

production and processing of indigenous natural products (INPs) growing on their land. They will 

achieve this through the exploitation of the INPs in a manner that is sustainable and emphasises 

the importance of biodiversity conservation. 

The main body of the text is in Sections Two, Three and Four, which take each of six INPs in turn 

and describe the current status of work on them that is being undertaken with relevant PPOs. 

These INPs are Commiphora, Mopane and Sarcocaulon, from which oils are extracted; Marula 

and Ximenia, from which lipid oils and fruit juice extracts are produced; and Devil’s Claw from 

which a traditional herbal remedy is extracted. 

Other activities are described in the following Section Five, which describes special, one-off or 

cross-cutting activities from the quarter. 

As in QPR5 and QPR6, NRI has strengthened its reporting on marketing development and 

planning, reflecting their increased prioritisation in the sub-Activity. Section Six presents both an 

updated marketing development plan and a marketing ‘dashboard’. In addition, each species 

section has a sub-section on marketing relevant to it. 

Monitoring and evaluation data are in Section Seven, updated risks faced by the sub-Activity in 

Section Eight outstanding issues and recommendations in Section Nine, concluding the main text 

of the report. 

Tables, maps and the log frame, which are updated quarterly, are now placed in separate 

Annexes A, B, C and D at the end of the report as reference material 



2. ESSENTIAL OILS 

2.1 Commiphora 

i. Training and technical support 

At the NRI marketing meeting held in December 2011, it was decided that no further harvesting of 

Commiphora resin should take place until a definite order from the commercial partner, V. Mane 

Fils, is received. OPF has continued to process material for local and regional sales. 

During the quarter training and technical support events at the Opuwo Processing Facility continued, 

aiming at making the processing efficient and the quality of the essential oil produced consistent. 

Staff members have been supported with office administration and financial management regarding 

local essential oil sales. The baskets for the Commiphora still have been successfully repaired by 

adjusting the design and all baskets are now in Opuwo and functional. A trial-run of the test still was 

carried out in Opuwo during May 2012. Samples of Pechuel-loeschea luebnitziea were produced and 

these will be submitted to V. Mane Fils for analysis. 

The following training activities were undertaken: 

Date PPO No and Name 

6 March 9 Otjiu-West Conservancy TS 

15 – 23 

March 

22 Mar – 

4 April 

2 April 

9 Otjiu-West Conservancy TS 

9 Otjiu-West Conservancy TR 

2 Orupembe Conservancy 

4 Okondjombo Conservancy 

5 Puros Conservancy 

10 April 3 Sanitatas Conservancy TS 

6 INP PPO Sub-activity 

Training Activity 

(TR) or 

Technical 

Support (TS) 

TR/TS 

Training Module No. and Theme of Event 

18 C. angolensis resource inventory Initiated at 

3 sites. Trial harvests at 2 sites. TK documented. 

18 C. angolensis resource inventory Initiated at 

25 sites. 

6 Integration of INPs into CBO Management. 

Exchange visit between PPOs 

8 Negotiation Skills and Contracts 

Feedback on Phytotrade MOU Status 


Feedback on Phytotrade MOU status 

4-11 April 5 Puros Conservancy TS 18 C. angolensis resource inventory Initiated. 

15 May 12 Opuwo Processing Facility TR/TS 27 Processing of Mopane and Commiphora 

The C. angolensis resource inventories were initiated in Otjiu-West and Puros conservancies with 25 

transects completed in Otjiu-West and 15 in Puros. A trial harvest was done in Otjiu-West 

Conservancy in March. Otjiu-West Conservancy was not included on the Level A Evaluation list for 

year 2 (2012) since it was previously one of the mopane harvester sites. However, with the interest 

shown by V. Mane Fils in this resource and the request for potential production estimates, it was


decided to initiate resource inventory work at 3 sites: Puros, Orupembe and Otjiu-West with trial 

harvests at these sites as well. Otjiu-West Conservancy was included since it is much further east and 

samples from there will allow analysis of differences in resin quality between low and higher rainfall 

sites. Otjiu-West was gazetted as a conservancy during May 2012. A service agreement will be 

signed with them shortly. Data regarding C. angolensis has been extracted from data sheets of 

previous surveys. This data will contribute to the resource inventory and will indicate which areas 

still need to be surveyed. 

ii. Institutional development of PPOs 

Otjiu-West PPO was gazetted as a conservancy in May 2012. In spite of regular follow-up with DoF 

no information about the application of the 6 Kunene PPOs submitted for registration as Community 

Forests has been received. 

iii. Gender and social integration 

Nothing to report during this period since no harvesting activities took place and no training or 

technical events occurred. 

iv. Product and market development 

The final report titled ‘Essential Oil and Fragrance Market Brief’ (Annex E) was delivered on the 19 th 

of March 2012. Following submission, this report was shared with partners. 

The trade shows reported in Section 3, in regard to the lipid oils, are also relevant for essential oil 

and fragrance products. Market trends reported at both ‘In-Cosmetics’ and ‘Natural and Organic 

Products Europe’ apply to the essential oil sector and the information reported on the events should 

also be considered here. 

A meeting with Michel Mane was held in Paris on the 12 th of April 2012. In summary, the discussion 

indicated that progress with all species has been made including safety and toxicity studies 

indicating acceptable results. It is now possible to provide samples to potential customers. Mane will 

be active at the World Perfumery Congress from 12 th to 14 th of June 2012 in Connecticut, USA, 

where customers will be introduced to products from this project. Mane is a “Premium Sponsor” at 

the event. In a call with Michel Mane, plans for regulatory studies and analytical work on the various 

species were discussed including potential customer visits. These ideas are being incorporated in the 

NEOi project plan. 

A “Freedom to Operate” study has been initiated on Commiphora species with a patent attorney. 

Further feedback is expected in the next quarter. 

v. Focus of activities for next quarter 

Sarcocaulon resource inventories in Orupembe and Puros PPOs 

C. angolensis resource inventories and trial harvesting at Orupembe, Puros and Otjiu-West 

PPOs. 

Finalization of the MOU between KCCA and Phytotrade. 



2.2 Mopane 


During this quarter, the OPF has not processed any further mopane material. The yields of oil from steam 

extraction are very low and there are no definite indications of market interest in this product currently. 

The material stored at Opuwo was more than a year old and extremely bulky so the decision was made 

to safely dispose of the remaining material. New material will be collected when needed. 


Nothing to report during this period. 


Nothing to report during this period since no harvesting, training or technical support activities took place. 


On the 1 st of March 2012 we received GC-MS analytical results for 10 batches of Mopane essential 

oil from V Mane fils. The samples were produced at the OPF. The implication of the results, including 

variations between the batches, is being evaluated and will provide direction for on-going process 

development and testing. Depending on the outcome of these trials, V Mane fils may request 

another, larger, sample to pursue experiments and start testing the oil for its safety and 

innocuousness. 

v. Focus on activities for next quarter 

No activities are planned for this period. 

2.3 Sarcocaulon 


At the NRI marketing meeting held in December 2011, it was decided that no further harvesting of 

Sarcocaulon wax should take place until feedback has been received from V Mane fils. 






See Section 2.1 

v. Focus on activities for next quarter 

Currently no harvesting activities are planned for this period. However, resource inventory work will 

be undertaken in 4 PPOs – Orupembe, Marienfluss, Sanitatas and Puros. 


3. LIPID OILS 

3.1 Marula 


The main focus of activities during this quarter was on the prevention of contamination of kernels 

and a general improvement of the quality of the oil. Quality issues are part of the core business of 

EWC/EWMM, but some contamination problems have proven to be persistent and need to be 

addressed as a matter of urgency. An Innovation Fund (IF) Project aimed at understanding and 

assisting to solve the contamination problems is being prepared and if approved, will start later this 

year, but groundwork with PPOs has been initiated in the meantime. 

The extension of service agreements was discussed and agreed upon with the EWC board. Most of 

the EWC associations received training and technical support with bookkeeping and administration 

systems, and some were supported with regard to leadership issues and conflicts. The EWMM 

factory completed its marula fruit juice processing season, and is gearing up for the new marula oil 

season. The first kernels of this season were procured towards the very end of this quarter. 


During the first part of this quarter, technical support provided follow up on the bookkeeping and 

administration training, assisting the associations to put the basic bookkeeping and administration 

systems into practice. Eighteen associations were visited, some more than once, and regular 

telephonic contact was kept following the visits. 

Management committees requested additional training on basic bookkeeping and administration, 

either as refresher training or because the 1-day training attended in 2011 proved too short. Seeing 

that the associations are at different levels of understanding and practical implementation, it made 

sense to provide different levels of assistance. 

Training and technical support were provided by the field-based trainer, together with EWC’s 

cooperative officer and CRIAA SA-DC’s field assistant. In many of the associations, the bookkeeping 

and administration work had not or only partly started, and the visit proved important to either: 

assist to overcome certain stumbling blocks experienced by the MC, and re-explain what the 

MCs had not understood properly before 

motivate the associations’ MCs to put the systems into practice, and practically start the 

process where possible 

assist with practical problems preventing the MCs from doing their work, i.e. previous 

leaders not handing over the books and materials to newly elected leaders. 

Since the visits, many of the associations have contacted the field-based trainer for further 

telephonic assistance. Four associations were not visited: Omuntele (54) because they did not 

participate in the training in the first place, Omafa (42) and Onangalo (44) because they informed us 

on several occasions that they were not available and Ohole (47) which is currently not functional. 





Training 

Activity (TR) or 

Technical 

Support (TS) 

19 March 56 Iihongo Association TS 

13 March 

19 March 

58 Kuupenda Association (Okankolo) 

(Omulongo) 

21 March 52 Nkugoyepongo Association TS 

21 March 55 Nakagumbo Association TS 

22 March 30 Lyeendongula Association TS 

22 March 31 Meameno Association TS 

22 March 34 Oshawapala Association TS 

23 March 29 Epandulo Association TS 

24 April 33 Diinina Association TS 

24 March 32 Tulongeni Association TS 

26 March 37 Pendapala Association TS 

26 March 41 Mangundu Association TS 

27 March 38 Okahulo Association TS 

27 March 43 Okalyohambo Association TS 

28 March 40 Gwamiitayi Association TS 

29 March 45 Lingungula Association TS 

29 March 39 Tunetu Association (Iinamutonyala branch) TS 

30 March 48 Shifula Association TS 

14 May 58 Kuupenda Association (Onayena branch) TS 

15 May 58 Kuupenda Association (Omulondo branch) TS 

16 May 58 Kuupenda Association (Okankolo branch) TS 

18 May 58 Kuupenda Association (Onankali branch) TS 

TS 

Training Module No. 

and Theme of Event 

2 Managing a CBO 

4 Financial 

management 

During the second half of this quarter the main focus of activities was on the prevention of 

contamination of kernels and improvement of the quality of the oil in general. This work included 

the following topics and mobilised the whole CRIAA SA-DC team extensively for preparation and 

delivery: 

Discussions with EWC and EWMM on the problem of contamination, the importance of 

addressing the problem and possible ways to address it 

Discussions with PTA and NRI on ways to address contamination prevention 

Internal discussions (CRIAA SA-DC) on training methods 

Development of a draft manual for prevention of contamination and improvement of quality 

of marula kernels at homestead level 

D26

Translation of the draft manual into Oshiwambo 


Workshop with association leaders to discuss, validate and finalise the draft manual, taking 

into consideration their intricate knowledge and long experience of marula primary 

processing 

Partly in anticipation of the IF project, procure different storage containers (plastic buckets 

and new bags) to be used for safe-storing cracked nuts and kernels at homestead level, in 

order to test on a pilot scale what would be preferred (different combinations of storage 

containers were handed out to trained groups, oil samples will be analysed during IF project) 

Training provided to 4 branches of the Kuupenda association (58). 

The training material developed for the associations and their members consists of a “HACCP-like” 

approach. After a short introduction on the importance of quality and the prevention of 

contamination and the different forms of contamination, the participants are taken through all 10 

steps of marula primary processing and supply, from marula juice pressing to transporting the 

kernels to the association buying point. At every step it is discussed how contamination could take 

place and how that contamination could be avoided, followed by a repetition of all the important 

learning points. The training proved very successful, with the trainees actively participating and 

looking for innovative practical solutions. 

The extension of service agreements with EWC and associations was extensively discussed with the 

board of EWC and the contents finalized and agreed upon. The service agreement with EWC (50) 

was signed and a “framework agreement” for all the EWC associations was endorsed by the board. 

This framework agreement allows the signing of individual service agreements with each EWC 

association on a similar template. The process of signing service agreement extensions with all EWC 

associations started with Kuupenda (58) during training at this association. The process will continue 

during the next quarter with the other associations when field visits and/or training events take 

place as scheduled. 

The service agreement with EWMM (49) has not yet been signed but is anticipated to take place in 

the next quarter. Eudafano factory (EWMM) is owned by EWC, managed for the benefit of EWC 

members and is fully integrated into the overall supply chains of EWC INPs. The constraints and 

resulting delay in finalising a service agreement is due to difficulties experienced in defining a clear 

timeframe for delivering priority training and technical support that do not overlap with other 

projects. Technical support to EWMM has mainly been provided in the context of two MCA-IF 

projects (on oils and marula fruit), as well as part of the Marula Food Oil Development project 

funded by GIZ and IPTT. The latter project will be completed June/July 2012. The INP-PPO subactivity 

will take over the follow up support with some possible additional funding from IPTT. The 

MCA-IF project “Optimal Oil Processing Technology and Competitiveness” is on-going with results so 

far incomplete, which does not facilitate its translation into clear technical and business 

development support themes for EWMM as yet. 




Apart from training and technical support as described in the previous section, Nakagumbo 

association (55) and Tunetu association (39) needed more focussed assistance with regard to 

institutional development. Nakagumbo association experienced serious leadership problems 

resulting in failure to hold an association AGM or participate at the EWC AGM in 2011. The 

chairperson resigned and EWC and CRIAA SA-DC were requested to monitor and assist in new 

elections and the way forward. This was done in April. Tunetu association consists of 3 branches and 

cooperation between the branches that are far apart from each other has been difficult. During the 

EWC AGM it was decided that one of the branches (Inamutonyala) could form a new association. 

EWC and CRIAA SA-DC were requested to assist in this process and to discuss in more detail the 

future of Tunetu and its branches. A first meeting in this regard was held in April, but the issue of 

whether or not to form an association was not concluded. 

At the EWMM factory the kernel intake season started at the very end of May with improved pricing 

and logistics (i.e. weighing at association level) as discussed during the last EWC AGM. 

The training needs of the EWC cooperative officer were also discussed, as it appeared that she could 

not provide our team with basic and essential information about the associations, because of the 

poor filing system that is in place and, in some instances, the absence of systematic records or 

updates (e.g. association membership updates). 


The EWC membership is 100% female. Their activities are currently not threatened by men and nor 

are women ostracized in any way as a result of their involvement or membership. On the contrary, 

members and leaders of EWC and its associations are generally well respected. Unless any new 

technologies are introduced which may provide a threat to the female ownership of the marula 

resource, women remain in a powerful position in the co-operative and in control of the resource 

and its trade. 

Technical support for the development of a “Code of Conduct” and mitigation plan with regard to 

assistance of children in the harvesting and processing of marula will be provided during 2013. 

Children, in particular young teenagers, help their mothers and grandmothers in their daily chores, 

including work around marula. Kept within certain limits, this cannot be regarded as child labour, 

and is seen as an important part of the child’s upbringing. The Code of Conduct will stipulate and 

clarify how much a child may do and under what conditions. It will ensure that Namibian laws are 

respected, that this work does not prevent children from going to school and that children will not 

be exposed to hazardous conditions. 


Due to the poor marula season of 2011 and the low intake of kernels at the Eudafano factory 

(reported in previous QPRs), the stock of marula oil processed in 2011 was limited and rapidly sold 

before year-end. Therefore, without stock of oil not much marketing activities could practically 

happen before the start of the next marula kernel season (end of May 2012). 



However, the Eudafano factory (EWMM) resumed its annual marula juice pressing business during the 

fruiting season (January/February – March/April in the north central Regions). Data on this year’s marula 

juice business have been collected by the factory manager on a more systematic basis. Marula fruit supply 

data are summarised in (a) below. As the selling of marula juice is still on-going, data on this part of the 

business will be provided at a later stage together with an analysis of the business performance and 

profitability. This business analysis is expected to become the baseline reference for any subsequent scaling 

up and improvement of marula fruit processing by Eudafano as proposed and documented in the Draft 

Business Concept for EWC/EWMM prepared by PhytoTrade under the MCA-IF project “Understanding 

Marula Fruit Chemistry to Enable Innovative Commercial Opportunities”. 

Although the practical marketing of marula oil was hampered by low stock, the Value Chain 

Specialist was active in the international marketing scene for cosmetic ingredients in preparation for 

the 2012 marula oil production season which is expected to be more productive. This is reported in 

the subsection (d) below, which is also relevant to Ximenia oil (and will not be repeated). 

(a) Marula fruit buying records 

From 18 January to 11 April, the Eudafano factory purchased 36,480 kg of fresh marula fruits. The 

direct deliveries to the factory by sellers accounted for 22,230 kg (60%) and the field procurement 

from producers by the factory truck was 14,250 kg (40%). The price paid by the factory remained 

unchanged from the 2011 season, i.e. N$ 0.40/kg for deliveries to the factory and N$ 0.20/kg for the 

field procurement. The fruits were purchased from a total of 36 producers, 5 were EWC members 

and 31 non-members. The 5 members accounted for 5,725kg of fruits purchased (16%). The bulk of 

the fruits procurement (94% in volume) was during the months of February and March, which is the 

peak marula fruiting period in the north central Regions. With a total of 82 purchases in 40 days 

(spanning over approximately 3 months), most producers sold fruits on more than one occasion. 

Marula fruit procurement records at Eudafano Factory (2012 season) 

Month 

Delivery days 

in month 

Deliveries to factory Truck procurement 

Number Kg Number Kg 

Total kg 

purchased 

Value (N$) 

January 2 0 0 2 1,250 1,250 250.00 

February 17 21 7,105 12 11,000 18,105 5,042.00 

March 17 40 14,300 3 2,000 16,300 6,120.00 

April 4 4 825 0 0 825 330.00 

Total: 40 days 65 22,230 17 14,250 36,480 11,742.00 

Source: EWMM records of 16/04/2012 

The income distribution to fruit producers remains modest (a total of N$ 11,742), so is the overall 

business turnover for the factory. The processing records indicated a production of 3,700 litres of 

marula juice at a value of N$ 15/l in season and N$ 20/l off-season depending on the selling time 

(not all the juice has been sold at the time of reporting and the sales records are not yet available). 

Despite the modest sales turnover of the marula juice business line (estimated around N$ 65,000), 

the selling of juice attracts many customers to the factory and contributes to its popularity. It also 

keeps the factory running during the time when oil is not being processed. 



The marula fruit business of the Eudafano factory has the potential to be significantly scaled up, 

improved and diversified. This will be discussed between EWC/EWMM and PhytoTrade/CRIAA SA-DC 

in the forthcoming months. A new project following up the ‘Draft Business Concept’ referred above 

may be submitted to the 3 rd round of the MCA-N Innovation Fund. Nevertheless, such business 

development would require a significant investment at the factory in improved processing 

equipment, upgraded production space and dedicated storage facility. 

(b) Marula kernels sales records 

None to be reported during this quarter (the season is just starting at the time of reporting). 

(c) Marula oil export records 

No export sales have taken place during the quarter due to no stock being available. Local sales of 

200kg were recorded. 

Current export demand forecast stands at 8 tonnes of marula oil for 2012/13, which would have to 

be produced from the 2012 marula kernel intake. This would require an intake of at least 36 tonnes 

during the 2012 season. 

(d) Other related activities 

The Managing Director of the company ‘Harritts Marula Quality Products’ based in Germany 

(http://www.harritts.com/en/) was met in Windhoek at the end of March to share his ideas about 

linking up with EWC/EWMM for a dedicated (but limited in volume) supply of Marula oil for a range 

of high value cosmetic products still to be launched in Europe. The INP-PPO sub-activity was 

explained and the MD was encouraged to also consider KMS oil for Harritts’ product range as Marula 

oil is currently is short supply. 

Contact and communication was established with the newly appointed Senior Buyer Ingredients of 

the Community Fair Trade (CFT) Team of The Body Shop International (TBSI). EWC is a registered CFT 

supplier of marula oil for TBSI. Currently, TBSI is the largest user of EWC marula oil. 


In the next quarter, the PPO training and technical support will focus on the following activities: 

continue conducting training on quality and prevention of contamination to associations and 

their branches; 

discuss and implement a similar approach to quality management and prevention of 

contamination at the EWMM factory; 

signing the extension to service agreements with EWC Associations; 

continue providing assistance to EWC associations with regard to basic bookkeeping and 

administration, telephonically and through visits; 

provide additional training on basic bookkeeping and administration to the EWC 

Associations that need this; 



provide refresher training on organizing an AGM for EWC associations, focusing on 

practically preparing the AGMs during the training; 

provide additional assistance at association level as a follow up where needed; 

assist EWC board and associations in conflict resolution where needed; 

train and assist the EWC cooperative officer in maintaining a functional filing and recording 

system; 

sign a service agreement with EWMM with a clarified programme of activities, including 

technical support to the marula food oil processing and marketing; and 

follow up on the marula fruit business development concept with EWC/EWMM and 

PhytoTrade. 

3.2 Ximenia 

Towards the end of the previous quarter it became clear that the projected demand for Ximenia oil 

from the main buyer in France remained strong, while the harvest has proved particularly poor this 

year having been affected by both rain and frost. In an effort to sustain the market, the intended 

focus for this and next quarter is on increasing the supply of good quality Ximenia seeds by: 

assisting the PPO to optimally mobilise its current branches and members; 

assisting the PPO to expand to other areas and mobilise new branches and members; 

training leaders at the branches and assisting to decentralise the Ximenia intakes; 

organising additional intakes early in the season; 

increasing the price per kg for the raw material from the PPO; 

training members on INP quality and prevention of contamination; and, 

improving the oil processing efficiency. 

Efforts have however been frustrated by the fact that the institutional development of TTP has 

proven to be relatively poor, and communication is difficult and inefficient. This indicates that it 

would be advisable to work on the organisational development of this PPO before any other efforts 

are made. However, ensuring a sufficient supply of Ximenia is a priority in order to prevent negative 

effects on the future demand for the product and thus the future viability of TTP. 

The processing of the 2011 kernel supply proved more efficient than ever with a better oil extraction 

yield achieved, and a new hydraulic press has been ordered which is expected to improve processing 

efficiency even more. 


After various failed attempts to organise meetings with the MC of TTP in the previous quarter, the 

meeting with the TTP leadership took place in the beginning of March. All urgent issues were 

successfully discussed (high projected demand for 2012, mobilisation of members, expansion to 

other areas, improved pricing, early intake, training, quality and contamination issues). 



The MC appeared to understand the urgency of the supply issue, and agreed to be proactive in the 

following ways: 

TTP would visit and mobilise new areas and establish new branches. CRIAA SA-DC had 

meetings with harvesters in potential harvesting areas in the days after the meeting with TTP 

MC, preparing the potential harvester groups for the meetings with TTP that were planned 

for the following week. We found out much later that the meetings with the potential 

harvester groups were postponed. 

TTP would set dates for early intakes in the month of June at all of the branches. At these 

occasions, CRIAA SA-DC was going to provide training to branch leaders on organising buying 

points (weighing, recording, traceability and quality control). However, CRIAA SA-DC was 

informed in May that no intake was going to be held this year at all, because the harvest had 

been severely affected by the weather conditions. 

A meeting with the TTP MC was planned to discuss member training on quality and the prevention 

of contamination, but as no intakes were planned for this year, this training seemed not very useful, 

and it was decided to use the time instead to discuss cooperation and communication issues 

between the PPO and the service provider. Following this meeting, 3 branches were visited in order 

to get an idea about what issues exist on the ground. These branch meetings were well attended, 

showing sufficient interest from the side of the members. The members of these 3 branches 

confirmed the poor Ximenia harvesting season, but in all these 3 branches there were members 

known to have harvested at least a few buckets of seeds this year. 

After the meeting TTP decided to only conduct one intake at Eenhana later in June. However, the 

TTP harvesting area is large, and having an intake at Eenhana only will mean that for a large majority 

of the members the transport to travel to Eenhana will be impractical or too expensive for them. The 

training manager is now planning for one final meeting with the MC to urge and convince them to 

allow an intake for most TTP branches if not all, as well as at the newly identified producing areas. 

Intakes can be organised either soon or later in the season if needed. 


From the interactions with TTP and its branches during this quarter, several institutional issues became 

apparent. The provisional registration of TTP as a cooperative seems to be in progress mainly through the 

direct involvement of the MAWF extension officer at Eenhana. A signed-up members list still has to be 

sent to the Registrar of Cooperatives. We were informed by the TTP MC that the by-laws were approved 

by the Division of Cooperative Development (DCD) but not all the MC are clear about its content since 

the final version has not yet been translated in Oshiwambo. 

It appears that no AGMs have been held in recent years (the last one was in December 2008 according to 

available records) and there seemed to be a general consensus that AGMs are to be held once every 3 

years. With this, it is also not clear if and when the current MC members were directly elected by the 

membership. According to the records of the 2008 AGM, no elections were held that year. 

Problems have been experienced with communicating with the MC of TTP. We were requested to 

channel all communication through the chairperson, but his phone is mostly off (due to no network). 



The members at the branches indicated that there is a communication gap between the TTP branch 

leaders and the members as well. Because branches have not been getting any income from TTP 

business they do not have any financial means to pay for communication, transport and other logistical 

costs. It was said that both members and non-members have been selling kernels, and this could easily 

raise the suspicion that non-members pay some kind of “informal” fee directly to certain branch leaders. 

The problems identified will be addressed through participatory workshops, training and technical 

support with regard to institutional development. A two-day workshop will be held at the end of July, and 

will take the founding members, the MC and other key members through their new cooperative by-laws. 

Training and technical support with regard to holding an AGM is also planned in the next quarter. 


Ximenia production is mostly in the hands of women with more than 95% of the Ximenia producers 

being female. Commercialisation has not resulted in any threat to their traditional role as harvesters 

and producers of the resource. However, the two main people in the communication channel with 

TTP – the chairperson and the MAWF Extension Officer – are both men, and when contacting and 

consulting a female member of the board, we are always referred back to these two men. 

Towards the end of this quarter we learnt that since 2008 no AGMs have been held, and that it is 

uncertain whether the current MC was elected by the membership. Elected representation is crucial 

for full social integration and ownership, and this will need to be worked on during the next quarter. 

Strategies to deal with the GSI issues identified include, in the short term, a workshop (scheduled for the 

end of July) to clarify and discuss ownership, decision-making powers and gender in the context of the new 

co-operative by-laws of TTP. In the longer term, general institutional development though training and 

capacity building will also address these issues. TTP members need to understand their by-laws, the 

functioning of a cooperative, their rights and responsibilities, know how to organise and conduct an AGM 

every year, and manage elections. Their elected leaders should represent the membership and a better 

gender balance with regard to decision-making should be achieved. 

It is important that male/female participation and leadership issues will be dealt with before the PPO 

acquires significant capital assets for oil processing. 


(a) Ximenia oil market and processing development 

As reported in the previous QPR, the demand for Ximenia crude oil from the species Ximenia 

americana var. americana from the main buyer in France remains strong for 2012. The accelerated 

production of Ximenia oil with the kernels procured from TTP in late 2011has been completed at 

KAP at the end of April. A third air freighted consignment to France was organised in March (954 kg) 

and a fourth consignment is being prepared for June (1,331 kg). However, this will only partially 

meet the demand for the rest of the year 2012. From the Ximenia kernel intake of this year, an 

additional 2 tonnes of oil would be needed till the end of 2012 and another 4 tonnes of oil for the 

first half of 2013 (before a next kernel intake in 2013), which appears very difficult to achieve with 

the very poor harvest of 2012. 



(b) Ximenia kernels sales records 

No sales took place during this quarter. 

(c) Value Chain Specialist activities 

The document “Ximenia oil from Namibia: a value chain analysis” (Annex F) was finalized and 

circulated, showing the good marketing prospects for Ximenia oil. 

In addition to the information report under the Marula section, the VCS attended the International 

BioTrade Conference in Windhoek, Namibia, 30 May to 1 June 2012. A presentation was delivered 

on the Ximenia Oil Value Chain as an interesting example of an emerging value chain for a newly 

commercialized INP in Namibia. This was well received. 

Following discussion with Aldivia and other clients, it is clear that demand for this oil is likely to increase. 

Production capacity is currently unclear and it is likely that there will be more demand than supply from TTP 

for the foreseeable future. It is therefore important that the following is strongly considered: 

The TTP supply chain needs to be extended for Ximenia americana 

Extending the specification for existing products to include X. caffra and other species, or to 

develop separate product and value chains to include all other Ximenia species available in Namibia 

Domestication and cultivation efforts to boost production and secure the interest of the 

market need to be resourced and committed plans agreed with relevant parties 

Collaboration on sourcing with neighbouring countries and suppliers needs to be evaluated 

as back-up supply 

Supporting TTP and businesses in Namibia to develop commercial opportunities that add as 

much value to the product as possible. 


The focus on activities for the next quarter is partly dependent on discussions with the PPO MC at 

the beginning of the next period. The main focus for the next quarter should be on: 

Convincing TTP to organise intakes at branch level where feasible, even if limited in volume 

Assisting the branches in conducting Ximenia intakes, training the branch leaders to weigh, 

record and check the quality of the Ximenia kernels 

Assisting the PPO to expand to other areas, in particular trying to mobilize Ohepi Community 

Forest 

Facilitating a meeting to clarify and discuss ownership, decision-making and gender 

Training the MC to understand their cooperative by-laws 

Assisting TTP to develop internal rules and best practices based on their by-laws 

Training the members at branch level on the functioning of a cooperative 



Training and assisting the TTP MC with organising and conducting an AGM this year 

Improving the oil processing efficiency with the testing and adoption of an improved 

pressing technology. 

Maintaining close communication with the main buyer in France in order to mitigate the 

adverse effect that a low production year will have on the market. This has been done and 

continues to be done on a very regular basis (emails, Skype, telephone calls). At the same 

time, all possible efforts are being directed at maximising the kernel supply from the existing 

producing areas in the North Central Regions and beyond. Potential supply from other 

PhytoTrade members in southern Africa, including Botswana, is being considered for this 

year. 



4. DEVIL’S CLAW 

The start of the reporting quarter also marked the start of the Devil’s Claw harvesting season in 

Namibia, which, defined by the Namibian Devil’s Claw Policy, is from 1 st of March to the 31 st of 

October each year. Therefore, during this quarter the service providers focused on training 

harvesters in sustainable harvesting techniques, supporting the registration process, assisting the 

PPOs in getting harvesting permits and facilitating contract and in price negotiations between PPOs 

and buyers. 


(a) Coordination among Devil’s Claw Service Providers 

During this quarter, no special meeting on Devil’s Claw was held by the service providers. This was 

mainly due to the fact that the service providers were travelling extensively to carry out the 

necessary trainings and it was difficult to find time slots that suited everyone. In spite of this, the 

service providers kept in close touch and coordinated the schedule for the price negotiations with 

‘Ecoso’, the contracted buyer for most of the PPOs. During the negotiation process information on 

prices was exchanged between service providers in order to guarantee transparency about prices to 

ensure that PPOs are in a strong negotiating position. 

(b) Training details 



Training 

Activity (TR) 

or Technical 

Support (TS) 

Training Module No. and Theme of 

Event 

3-4 April 

8 Orupupa Conservancy 

TR/TS 


15 Policy and Permits 

16 Harvester Registration and Rules 

17 Harvesting Practices 

14 May TS Delivery of PPIG equipment 

15-16 May TS 15 Policy and permits 

3 April 13 Ehirovipuka Conservancy TS 8 Contract negotiation 

17 April 13 Ehirovipuka (Otjetjekua) TR/TS 



18 April 13 Ehirovipuka (Otjonova) TR/TS 

B16 Harvester Registration and Rules 

B17 Harvesting Practices 

19 Apr 12 13 Ehirovipuka (Otjomata) TR/TS 



20 Apr 12 13 Ehirovipuka (Otozondjise) TR/TS 



21 Apr 12 

13 Ehirovipuka (Okonjota & 

Otjokavare) 

TR/TS 



14 May 

TS 15 Policy and permits 

21-22 May TS 

13 Ehirovipuka Conservancy 

26–31 May TR 

15 Policy and permits 

16 Harvester registration and rules 

11 Buying point management 

19 Methods for monitoring


22 March 

Training 

Activity (TR) 

or Technical 

Support (TS) 



Event 

11- 18 May TS 5 Organizing an AGM 

14 Kyaramacan Association 


25 May TR 

18 Resource management plan 

19 Methods for monitoring 

28 Implementation of business plans 

27 March 

6 May 

15 Kwando Cons. & CF 

TS 

TS 

8 Contract negotiation 


27 March 

TS 8 Contract negotiation 

7 May 

16 Mayuni Conservancy 

TS 



28 March 


TS 



9 May TS 16 Harvester registration and rules 

17 Mashi Conservancy 

28 May TS 15 Policy and permits 

29 May TR 19 Methods for monitoring 

26 March 18 Sobbe Conservancy TS 8 Contract negotiation 

28 March 


7 May 

30 May 

19 Balyerwa Conservancy 

TS 

TR 




29 March 20 Wuparo Conservancy TS 8 Contract negotiation 

29 March 21 Dzoti Conservancy TS 8 Contract negotiation 

26 March 


10 May 

24 Masida CF 

TS 



26 March 

29 May 

25 Lubuta CF 

TS 

TR 



28 March 


27 Ngongo CF 


27 March 


28 Sachona CF 


12 March 

TS Signing of service agreement extension 

13 March TR 




14 March TS 29 Enrichment planting 

27-30 March TS 29 Enrichment planting 

12 April 61 Vergenoeg 

TS Delivery of PPIG equipment 

22-23 April TS 


29 Enrichment planting 

27 April TS 19 Methods for monitoring 

30 April TS 1 Organizing harvester groups (MC) 

31 April TS 1 Organizing harvester groups 





18 March 


Training 

Activity (TR) 

or Technical 

Support (TS) 

20 March 62 Gemsbokfontein 

TR 


Event 

TS Signing of service agreement extension 

19 March TS 29 Enrichment planting 

19 April TS 





29 Enrichment planting 

7-9 March 

TR 



63 Tsjaka Ben Hur 


13 April TS 1 Organizing harvester groups (MC) 


1 March 

12-14 March TR 


69 Nyae Nyae Conservancy 

19 March TR 

19-21 April TR 





15 Policy and permits (ToT) 

16 Harvester registration and rules(ToT) 

17 Harvesting practices (ToT) 

28 Business Plan 

18 Resource Management Plan 




22 May TS Organic inspection preparation 

2 March 



70 N#a Jaqna Conservancy 

20 March TR 








28Business Plan 

18 Resource Management Plan 

23 April TS 1 Organizing harvester groups 

23 April TR Organic certification 

14 May TS 1 Organizing harvester groups 

14 May TR Organic training 


17 April 

TS 1 Organizing harvester groups 

08 May 72 African Wild Dog 

TS Signing of Service Agreement 

08 May 

Conservancy 

TR 


16 Harvester Registration and Rules


18 April 

Training 

Activity (TR) 

or Technical 

Support (TS) 

11 May TR 

75 Ondjou Conservancy 



Event 

TS 1 Organizing harvester groups 

11 May TS Signing of Service Agreement 

24 May TR 

15 March 

31 March 76 Muduva Nyangana 

Conservancy 

TR 

15 Policy and Permits (MC) 

16 Harvester Registration and Rules (MC) 








21-22 May TR 19 Methods for monitoring 

15 March 

77 George Mukoya 

31 March TR 

Conservancy 






16 March 

78 Joseph Mbambangandu 

31 March TR 

Conservancy 






17 March 

80 Daniel Sitentu Mpasi 

31 March TR 

Conservancy 

TR 8 Contract negotiation 





17 March 

31 March 81 Katope CF 

TR 

TR 8 Contract negotiation 





(c) Service agreements 

Existing service agreements with all PPOs in Kavango, Caprivi, Omaheke and Otjozondjupa Region 

have been renewed for 2012. Four new service agreements were signed for 2012 with Katope 

Community Forest (81) and Daniel Sitentu Mpasi Conservancy (80) in Kavango Region and with 

African Wild Dog Conservancy (72) and Ondjou Conservancy (75) in Otjozondjupa Region. A total of 

26 PPOs are currently being supported with Devil’s Claw activities. 



(d) Resource monitoring 

The resource management and monitoring plans developed in 7 of the DC PPOs during last quarter are 

being implemented. The main focus of the implementation is on monitoring. Resource monitoring training 

has been done with resource monitors, PPO staff and committee members in all DC PPOs in Kunene, 

Kavango and Caprivi during this quarter. When reviewing the DC activities for last season, it became 

apparent that while monitoring was done in the PPOs, it was often not recorded on the monitoring forms 

and therefore not passed on to MCs to take action. To provide an incentive for resource monitors to 

complete these forms, T-shirts were designed and printed and displayed at the training events. T-shirts can 

be earned by resource monitors – the price is an agreed upon number of completed monitoring forms. 

Initial monitoring of harvesting activities in Balyerwa Conservancy indicates that sustainable harvesting 

methods are not being used. Further monitoring and follow-up will take place early in June. Monitoring spot 

checks have been carried out in Vergenoeg, Gemsbokfontein and Ben Hur PPOs in Omaheke Region. 

(e) PPIG grants 

The third round of PPIG grants were approved and delivered during this quarter: 

Orupupa Conservancy (8) received harvester kits (shade cloth, knives and bags) as well as a 

scale and a bag closer. The equipment has not been distributed yet due to the issues around 

the permit (see next section Institutional Issues). As soon as these are resolved, the 

equipment will be handed out to harvesters. 

N#a Jaqna Conservancy (70) in round 3 received a PPIG of 683 stainless steel knives as well 

as 2,000 bags, two chairs, a table and a wall safe for the Devil’s Claw container storeroom 

received in PPIG round 2. 

Katope Community Forest (81) and Daniel Sitentu Mpasi CCF (80) received harvester kits, a 

scale and a folding table each. 

(f) Small scale enrichment planting 

The small scale enrichment planting trials carried out this quarter in two Omaheke PPOs (Vergenoeg and 

Gemsbokfontein), have initially produced mixed results. In Vergenoeg, eight harvesters each planted 3000 

Devil’s Claw seeds in their small fenced-off backyard garden nurseries during January as part of the training 

event. At the same time, Devil’s Claw seeds were sown in four unfenced plots in the field. By the 9 th of 

February, the first seedlings emerged. In the fenced backyard gardens, between 3 and 60 seedlings were 

recorded in the plots by the end of February; by the end of March between 7 and 132 young Devil’s Claw 

plants were established. In the unfenced plots, between 5 and 45 seedlings could be counted by the end of 

March. The very different germination rates were examined and it became evident that some harvesters 

had not weeded their Devil’s Claw nurseries. This was due to training in permaculture which had been 

conducted in Vergenoeg by another project. In this training the participants were encouraged to leave 

weeds in the soil in order to retain moisture. This was applied to the Devil’s Claw nurseries and, in some 

nurseries, led to poor growth of the DC seedlings. However, some nurseries (which had not been cleared of 

weeds) still showed a very good germination rate. Areas which had been used as livestock kraals in the past 

showed very poor germination rates, possibly due to high nitrate levels in the soil. Plants in the unfenced 

plots (where small stock moved freely) showed signs of being eaten or trampled by stock and wildlife such 

as the Duiker. Bush encroachment also seemed to limit Devil’s Claw germination. 



The rains ended early and the young Devil’s Claw plants died back and are hard to track. The small 

tubers in the nurseries have been left in the soil and will be transplanted at the beginning of the next 

rainy season (October 2012). Some of the sown seeds might still break their dormancy with the 

onset of the next rainy season, so more germination is expected. 


(a) Institutional issues 

Orupupa (8) is a registered Conservancy and was included as a PPO for support in 2012. Various 

training and technical support activities have taken place during 2012, including a successful 

application for a PPIG grant for harvester equipment. However, when harvesting activities were about 

to begin, it emerged that many of the harvesters who are registered members of the PPO, do not 

actually live within the gazetted boundaries of the Conservancy. At time of conservancy registration, 

there was some dispute over one of the boundaries and a part of the proposed conservancy was 

excluded due to this dispute. So although harvesters consider themselves to be registered 

conservancy members, they do not actually live within the legal boundaries of the conservancy. Since 

this has legal and permit implications, activities have been suspended until all stakeholders agree on a 

solution. Several options are currently being discussed and considered. The best option would be that 

the TAs and conservancy agree that the activity will be managed by the conservancy, with inputs from 

the TA, but group permits are applied for in the name of each village. This will ensure that legal 

requirements are met but will not exacerbate the conflict situation. 

African Wild Dog (72) and Ondjou (75) Conservancies are new PPOs which have recently been 

included for support by the Sub-Activity in managing their Devil’s Claw activities. Both MCs received 

training on how to manage their resources (Modules B 15 and B16), after which harvester training 

was planned. The MC of African Wild Dog Conservancy were not organized enough to bring their 

harvesters together even though dates were agreed upon on two occasions. It seems that the MC is 

not strong enough to influence the actions of it members. This could affect further training activities. 

It was decided not to support the Conservancy in obtaining a harvesting permit, since the planned 

training of harvesters had not taken place and sustainable harvesting practices can therefore not be 

expected. Nevertheless, the service provider will stay in touch with the Conservancy and might assist 

with monitoring activities and trainings should any harvesting take place in the area. 

(b) Harvesting permits 

Obtaining permits from the different regional offices of the MET remains a challenge. As the 

definition of “group” is not specified in the Namibian Devil’s Claw Policy, problems arise. Several 

attempts have been made to convince MET officials to issue one group harvesting permit per PPO 

instead of a permit for each village. As a Conservancy is a single legal entity with defined rules, MET 

staff in some regions has issued one group permit for the Conservancies, while other MET offices 

insist on village permits, thus creating inconsistency. The permit question also has considerable cost 

implications for the conservancies, with one permit costing N$50. After much discussion, MET 

acknowledged that group permits can be issued in both ways - village permits or Conservancy 

permits. The final decision on which option to choose was, however, left with regional MET staff. 



This brought no change to the situation, as in some cases, regional MET offices (namely Tsumkwe 

and Rundu) in this season have again decided to issue several village permits instead of one permit 

for the whole conservancy. The Rundu office even requested that each village permit application 

only have a maximum of 25 people on each list. Two PPOs have still not been issued with permits 

since they are not yet gazetted (Katope CF and Daniel Sitentu Mpasi Conservancy). None of these 

requirements are requirements in the Devil’s Claw policy. 

Furthermore, the Kunene PPOs were required to travel to Outjo to obtain permits since the Opuwo 

office is unable to provide this service. This is a distance of about 400km from Opuwo. Three trips to 

Outjo were done before the permits were issued. This involves a lot of time and costs for harvesters 

and PPOs. Permit issues have delayed the start of harvesting activities and resulted in much 

frustration amongst PPO staff members. The service providers will follow up on these permit issues 

in order to help the PPOs avoid unnecessary costs and create more consistency within Namibia 

regarding this question. A meeting is scheduled for 11 June 2012 with MET and further training for 

MET Regional officers before the start of the 2013 season has been discussed. 

(c) Certification 

The dates of the organic certification for 2012 have been set for the last two weeks in July 2012. The 

ECOCERT inspector will visit the three PPOs with organic certification, which are Kyaramacan 

Association, Nyae Nyae Conservancy and N#a Jaqna Conservancy. Considerable preparation work for 

the inspection has already been done in these three PPOs, aiming at implementing the improvement 

actions which have been agreed upon during last year’s inspection. An example of this is the need to 

compile maps which indicate the villages which take part in harvesting, storage facilities as well as 

boundaries of the PPO. 


The table below shows the gender distribution of the harvesters who have registered for this year’s 

harvesting season: 

With the figures available at the end of this quarter, 3,025 Devil’s Claw Harvesters had registered, of 

which 1,743 (58%) were women and 1,282 (42%) men. A comparison with last season will be made 

once all the figures all available. 


PPO no. and name 

No. of 

harvester 

s 


Women Men 

# % # % 

8 Orupupa Conservancy 99 48 48 51 51 

13 Ehirovipuka Conservancy 85 53 62 32 38 

14 Kyaramacan Association 430 259 60 171 40 

15 Kwando Conservancy 120 70 58 50 42 

16 Mayuni Conservancy 71 32 45 39 55 

17 Mashi Conservancy 75 60 80 15 20 

19 Balyerwa Conservancy 203 154 76 49 24 

20 Wuparo Conservancy 172 129 75 43 25 

21 Dzoti Conservancy 125 77 62 48 28 

22 Masida CF & 18 Sobbe Conservancy Still to be finalised 

23 Lubuta CF 188 104 55 84 45 

24 Ngonga CF 42 17 40 25 60 

25 Sachona CF 142 89 63 53 37 

61 Vergenoeg 59 33 56 26 44 

62 Gemsbokfontein 22 10 45 12 55 

63 Ben Hur 67 45 67 22 33 

69 Nyae Nyae Conservancy 192 110 57 82 43 

70 N#a Jaqna Conservancy 699 312 45 387 55 

75 Ondjou Conservancy 13 1 8 12 92 

76 Muduva Nyangana Conservancy 48 36 75 12 25 

77 George Mukoya Conservancy 115 76 66 39 34 

78 Joseph Mbambangandu 

Conservancy 

80 Daniel Sitentu Mpasi 

Conservancy 

58 28 48 30 52 

Still to be finalised 

81 Katope CF Still to be finalised 



Devil’s Claw in Zambia – trip report 

Karen Nott 

During the 2011 harvest season, an estimated 200t of dried Devil’s Claw material entered Namibia 

from Zambia and Angola. The policy allows for this providing that Phyto-sanitary certificates are 

obtained from the country of origin and an import permit is obtained from the Namibia authorities. 

Since few regulatory measures are in place, the Zambian Ministry of Mines and Natural Resources 

banned all harvesting and trade in Devil’s Claw in March 2012. 

Towards the end of May 2012, I crossed the border into the Sioma Ngwezi National Park in Zambia 

from the Singalamwe border post (a tent under a tree) and then travelled 40 km through the park to 

the ZAWA Rangers station at Imusho. The road from the border to Imusho is a small sandy track that 

follows the Kwando River. The Ranger’s Station was deserted. I was told that the Rangers were out 

on patrol to follow up on reports of illegal harvesting activities in the park. 

“While travelling back towards the border, I saw a ZAWA vehicle and stopped to speak to Mr Moses 

Mufaya of the ZAWA office in Shesheke. He was accompanied by several rangers from the Rangers 

station we had just visited. They had caught a group of illegal harvesters 47km away from their home 

village and confiscated 12 bags of illegally harvested Devil’s Claw. Currently, rangers are confiscating 

the harvested material from illegal harvesters and letting them off with a warning (since there is no 

legislative framework in this regard).” 

Mr Mufaya asked me to tell the harvesters a bit of how the Namibian programme is working with DC 

resources across the border. He acknowledged that park residents have limited livelihood options and 

ZAWA would like them to have the opportunity to earn income from DC. He would like to see the ban 

lifted for residents in the park providing they could find a reputable buyer and organize the 

harvesters to work collectively onbuying arrangements and use sustainable harvesting methods. 


In the price negotiations with the buyer which took place in March and April 2012, the Kavango and Caprivi 

PPOs obtained guaranteed minimum prices to harvesters of N$16 per kilogram of dried H. zeyheri chips. 



The term “guaranteed minimum price” means that, no matter how the market fluctuates during the 

season, this price cannot go below the guaranteed minimum, but it can increase if the market improves. 

Ecoso has already established confidence in this approach during the last harvest season when the price 

increased during the 2011 season. As the table below indicates, Ecoso has paid N$4/kg more than the 

guaranteed minimum during the first round of purchasing. 

Nyae Nyae and N#a Jaqna Conservancies produce both H. zeyheri and H. procumbens. During the 

price negotiations they obtained a guaranteed minimum price of N$21 to the harvester. Ehirovipuka 

and Orupupa conservancies obtained a guaranteed minimum price of N$21 for H. procumbens. The 

negotiated Management Fees (the fee paid by the buyer to the PPO MC for services provided) vary 

between N$2,00 and N$4,50 per kilogram, depending on the extent of the services the different 

PPOs offer the buyer and the transaction costs the PPOs need to cover. The Omaheke PPOs, selling 

to a different buyer (Mr and Mrs Krafft in Dordabis) achieved a price of N$27 respectively and N$28 

per kg of dried H. procumbens. No management fee is paid by this buyer. 

Some PPOs have already sold Devil’s Claw material during May and it amounts to more than 21 tons. 

The details are contained in the table below: 

DC sales for Q7 

Price: N$20/kg to harvester 

PPO no. PPO name Value (N$) Weight (kg) 

15 Kwando 40,376 2,019 

19 Balyerwa 192,114 9,606 

21 Dzoti 25,922 1,296 

20 Wuparo 163,954 8,197 

TOTAL 422,366 21,118 

A first draft of the Devil’s Claw value chain analysis was submitted for comment. Based on the 

comments received, a final report will be prepared and submitted. While researching and preparing 

the value chain analysis the complexity of the Devil’s Claw value chain from the point of export 

became apparent due to the numerous different routes and product formats the ingredient can take 

to reach the consumer. The presentation of one generic value chain is not likely to deliver sufficient 

detail on the different product formats that exist. For example, the value chain for a herbal tea 

product will be very different compared to that of an anti-inflammatory topical gel, a supplement 

powder containing a Devil’s Claw extract, or a veterinary product. It is advised that subsequent 

Devil’s Claw value chain analyses should focus from the point of export to end consumer use. This 

should also be split by product category and end use, therefore enabling a clearer understanding of 

the roles, responsibilities and actors involved in each value chain example. 

The value chain analysis considers the role ‘Premium Devil’s Claw’ could play and presents the latest 

export figures from Namibia along with pricing throughout the chain. The value chain is presented in 

a diagrammatic form, as well as being described by actor and related roles and responsibilities. The 

objective is to understand the current set up and where value adding processes can be implemented 

in Namibia rather than in countries of export. The importance of quality control is highlighted as 

being a fundamental component of the value chain and examples of quality assurance and 



extraction production steps are provided. Issues around sustainable harvesting and current 

legislation in Namibia is discussed along with enrichment planting programmes and practices in 

place by Namibian harvesting groups. Within the report, an Appendix provides a list of companies 

involved in manufacturing/selling Devil’s Claw extract is provided to indicate the level of demand 

and potential target customers. Key findings and recommendations are also provided and once 

review comments have been received, these will be concreted in the final report. 

PhytoTrade Africa attended ‘Natural and Organic Products Europe’ which was held in London, UK, on 

1 st -2 nd April 2012. The trade show presented several of the key markets in which Devil’s Claw can be 

incorporated including herbal remedy products, supplements for joint health, sport recovery 

products (anti-inflammatory), herbal teas, and pet health products. Devil’s Claw was included in a 

sports recovery product (Vega Sport Recovery Accelerator http://vegasport.com/system) at the 

show which was described as the first, complete, natural, plant-based sport performance system and 

claimed to ‘reduce inflammation, muscle and joint pain’. This is an interesting and relevant sector 

which presents increasing opportunities for Devil’s Claw as demand for sports nutrition products, 

and natural products increases. Other brands at the show which highlight alternative avenues for 

Devil’s Claw include natural pet food manufacturers and personal care products. 

The Value Chain Specialist also attended ‘NutraFormulate’ (http://www.nutraformulate.co.uk/) 

which was held in Coventry, UK, on the 7 th to the 8 th of March 2012. ‘NutraFormulate’ focuses on 

‘ingredients for healthy living’ and included a series of presentations by industry professionals, 

regulatory experts and academics in the field of functional foods, along with various industry 

exhibitors. Devil’s Claw was an ingredient included in the product portfolios of several exhibitors 

including Naturex, Indena, DKSH and Willow Ingredients. Throughout the two days, the VCS 

attended several presentations which include information relevant Devil’s Claw and other functional 

ingredients, primarily in the food, beverage and supplement market. The boxes below present some 

of the key guidance points delivered during the seminars. 


NutraFormulate Seminar Key Messages (1) 

Innovation in human nutrition: With or without health claims? 

Dr Inga Koehler, Head of Nutrition Business Consulting, A&R. 

Early consumer research is key and consumers now demand proof of efficacy for new nutritional products 

Three points surround a claim: Consumer, Regulatory and Technical 

Large majority of claims have been rejected by the European Foods Safety Authority (EFSA) due to 

insufficient product characterisation, lack of human data and no references 

2758 claims submitted, only 220 approved 

Confusion around role of the Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive (THMPD) and botanical 

claims. All decisions are currently on hold with EFSA until this is clarified 

Outlook 

– More attention will be given to nutrition claims, such as low in fat, sugar etc. 

– Product specific claims are attractive for premium products 

– Claim strategy depends on key target markets and generic claims may be an interim solution, or piggyback 

on those approved.

NutraFormulate Seminar Key Messages (2) 

Future direction for the global functional foods market 

Matt Incles, Leatherhead Food Research 


Global functional food and drink market – US$ 24 billion. Although there is still growth it has 

slowed in recent years (still predicts positive outlook). 

UK market - £790 million (2015 expected to reach £900 million) 

Main claims on functional products include; Vitamin and mineral fortified (22%), digestive health 

(20%), bone/joint health (9%), and cardiovascular health (7%). 

When choosing a product the most important factors for the consumer are the claimed health 

benefits, taste, and price. 

Consumers are requesting better communication 

Any on pack claims must be substantiated 

The use of known natural ingredients to imply health benefits can also be beneficial but consumer 

must recognise the ingredient. 

Healthy Products NPD – The Regulatory Challenges 

Neville Craddock 

All product claims must be understood by the ‘average consumer’. 

Be very careful of ‘implied claims’ – they are illegal. 

The use of ‘contains antioxidants’ could be seen as a health claim, whereas claims around other 

nutrients are less clear. 

In the future health professional product endorsements will not be allowed. 

The Department of Health (Nov 2011) Nutrition and health claims: Guidance to compliance with 

Regulation (EC) 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods. 

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/ 

DH_130972 

There is often a thin line between a product positioned as a food and drug. A product classified as a 

medicine has a metabolic action. Any mention of preventative function points towards medicinal use. 

Digital Marketing of Nutra Ingredients 

Henning Schwinum, Innovadex 

. 

97% of food and beverage innovators use the internet to search for ingredients, highlighting the 

importance of strong online presence and appearance of websites. 

Only 6.6% of innovators would look to trade journals. 

Customers want instant access to Technical Datasheets, product information and 

product/company brochures. 

B2B advertising is increasing in importance as is online marketing. 

50% of a company’s marketing is spent on the company website, and only 1% on social networking 

sites. However, increasingly, social networks are overtaking personal websites and this should be 

reflected in budgets and marketing effort. 



Feedback from the Devil’s Claw Export Market 

Meetings were held with key industry players at Vitafoods, Geneva, Switzerland, on the 22 nd – 24 th of 

May 2012, regarding Devil’s Claw. Important messages were conveyed during these meetings which 

should be used to guide future approaches and marketing. It was reported that there is a perception 

amongst major industrial buyers that the exporters in Namibia are increasing their margins without 

increasing returns to harvesting groups. Although this may not be the case, there must be a process 

of showing this and increasing transparency. This is where the role of ‘Premium Devil’s Claw’, which 

carries all relevant assurances, could significantly impact the market and provide the traceability and 

standards required. 

Discussions with a leading Devil’s Claw extract manufacturer indicated that their annual requirement 

would be 50-60 tonnes Devil’s Claw (roughly split 20 tonnes H. procumbens and 30 tonnes H. 

zeyheri) but the continuing export price increases from Namibia was a key factor and may result in 

customer loss. There is also perception in the market that supplies of H. procumbens may soon be in 

short supply and it is yet unclear how they will react to ‘Premium Devil’s Claw’ from Namibia and 

associated costs. Another important issue highlighted by industry representatives was the possible 

adulteration of material understood to be 100% H. procumbens with H. zeyheri material. This also 

presents the need for ‘Premium Devil’s Claw’ where traceability is a key component. PhytoTrade is 

working with its members in Namibia who supply Devil’s Claw on issues such as Good Manufacturing 

Practices (GMP) to ensure labelling and product specifications are maintained and met as required. 


The next quarter, June to August, will be a time when Devil’s Claw harvesting and selling will be in 

full swing in the supported PPOs. Supporting resource monitoring activities will be a focus. The PPOs 

will also require different kinds of technical support during the buying events, be it with transport, 

record keeping, ensuring contact with buyers etc. 

An important event during the upcoming quarter will certainly be the organic inspection, which is 

planned for July. 

Furthermore, a meeting with MET is planned for the 11 th June 2012, in which the issue of harvesting 

permits will again be discussed. 


5. MARKETING 

5.1 INP Market Development Plan 


A key focus of the VCS work in the current quarter was to define a strategy with the partners and 

agree which concepts to put forward to the Innovation Fund 3 rd and final round. 

On 18 th April 2012 a “Business Development Strategy and Planning Session” was organised by the 

VCS and held at the NRI/IRDNC Office in Windhoek. The meeting was attended by personnel from 

IPTT, MCA-N, IRDNC, NRI, and CRIAA SA-DC. The session comprised and update on current MCA-N 

Innovation Fund activities and current results including: 

Namibian Essential Oils Innovation Project 

Innovative Joint Health Ingredient Obtained From Devil’s Claw for the United States Markets 

Understanding Marula Fruit Chemistry to Enable Innovative Commercial Opportunities 

Optimal Oil Processing Technologies and Competitiveness 

Thereafter, the status of following PPO businesses was reviewed using the product and market 

development dashboard: 

Opuwo processing facility – Essential oils 

EcoSo Dynamics – Devil’s Claw 

DC PPOs – Devil’s Claw 

EWC/EWMM – Marula oils and Marula fruit 

TTP – Ximenia oil 

Achievable targets and key activities were discussed, along with potential sources of funding other 

than the Innovation Fund for activities to achieve targets. These included: 

Namibian components in IFAD/AFD/FFEM 

Nagoya Protocol Implementation Fund 

During the following few days the VCS met bilaterally with various stakeholders including EWC to 

discuss concepts to focus on for the IF, and provided support to the draft of 3 of the concepts and 

prepared a further 3. 

The table below lists the 6 concepts and identifies the PPO businesses that are focused on and what 

gaps in the product and market development process are impacted. 



MCA-N INP Innovation 

Fund Round 3 Concept 

Innovative, safe and active 

cosmetic ingredients 

USA and EU Market 

Access for Marula fruit 

and Devil’s Claw products 

Commercialising 

Innovative Marula Fruit 

Products at Eudafano 

Women’s Marula 

Manufacturing 

Accessing optimal and 

competitive oil processing 

technologies 

Novel Business 

Opportunities for the 

Opuwo Processing Facility 

(OPF) 

Quality improvement of 

Namibian Indigenous 

Natural Products 


PPO business impacted Product and market development gaps impacted 

Eudafano Women’s 

Cooperative 

Tulongeni Twahangana 

Producers 

Kunene Commiphora 

Conservancies 

Association /OPF 

EcoSo Dynamics 

DC PPOs 


Cooperative 

EcoSo Dynamics and 



Cooperative 


Cooperative 


Producers 

Kunene Commiphora 

Conservancies 

Association/OPF 


Cooperative 


Producers 

EcoSo Dynamics 


Product fully characterised with specification 

Safety / toxicity studies, regulatory 

compliance 

USPs properly understood, adequate 

supporting technical information 

Market potential understood including 

competitor analysis 

IP analysis and freedom to operate 

established, including ABS compliance 

Customers ready to commit to product, 

business plan possible 



compliance 

Production process competitive, cost of 

production properly understood 


USPs properly understood, adequate 

supporting technical information 











compliance 





Customers ready to commit to product, 

business plan possible 

Supply chain fully functional, supply capacity 

properly understood

5.2 Value Chain Specialist activities relating to Lipid Oils 


The Value Chain Specialist (VCS) attended ‘In-Cosmetics’ trade show in Barcelona, Spain, from the 

17 th to 19 th of April 2012 (http://www.in-cosmetics.com/ ). ‘In-Cosmetics’ is the leading global 

business platform for personal care ingredients where more than 580 companies exhibited and 

various seminars were presented on key topics within the personal care sector. Information 

gathered at this trade show will be used in the preparation of the Cosmetic Oil Market Brief which 

will be delivered and reported in the QPR 8. The trade show report should be accessed (from CRIAA 

SA-DC) for further details and key relevant findings from the show. 

‘Natural and Organic Products Europe’ was also attended on 1 st and 2 nd April 2012 where many 

finished cosmetic and personal care products were exhibited. This trade show displayed the demand 

for natural products containing ingredients such as Marula, Ximenia, Kalahari Melon Seed and other 

oils (http://www.naturalproducts.co.uk/). In contrast to ‘In-Cosmetics’, this trade show focuses on 

finished, consumer-ready, products and what consumers look for in a natural product, in this 

instance a cosmetic/personal care product. Many brands exhibited at the show including some 

brands that use oils sourced from producing associations in Namibia. The show enabled the Value 

Chain Specialist to gather information regarding consumer trends around natural cosmetic products 

and the brands which are responding these demands. This market information will be incorporated 

into the Cosmetic Oil Market Brief and will include trends and potential target customers. 

Key point of interest is that the skin care market is the fastest growing component in the cosmetic 

and personal care sector. The premium beauty market also offers significant opportunities for 

natural ingredients where 23% of products are in the skincare category, and the majority focussed 

on face care. Key topics within skin care include anti-aging, dry skin, sensitive skin and skin solutions 

(scar tissue). These topics are of significance as they are applications which are often reported in 

traditional use reports for the oils from Namibia including Ximenia and Marula. Seminars at the show 

also focussed on ingredients, which are regarded as acceptable for use in natural products and those 

that are regarded as unsafe. This was also discussed in reference to particular standards and 

certification marks such as Ecocert and COSMOS 1 cosmetic organic standard and is particularly 

relevant for companies in Namibia aiming to produce finished cosmetic products for export to 

international markets. 

On the 12 th of April 2012 the Value Chain Specialist attended the 2012 ‘Beauty of Sourcing with 

Respect’ conference organized by the Union of Ethical BioTrade (UEBT) which was held in Paris. The 

conference focussed on the ethical sourcing of biodiversity for use by cosmetic and personal care 

companies and included several presentations by key industry companies. The information gathered 

at the UEBT conference will contribute to the preparation of the Cosmetic Oils Market Brief. In 

addition, some of the key points highlighted throughout the meeting are discussed below. 

The results of the 2012 UEBT Biodiversity Barometer were presented at the conference. Countries 

included in the study were US, Europe, Brazil, Peru and India. It is clear that there is large variation 

between regions in awareness of biodiversity and use in products. Interestingly, the emerging 

markets showed a relatively high level of interest and 85% of consumers stated that natural 

1 The COSMOS organic standard for cosmetics was created by an alliance of six of Europe’s leading organic 

certifiers. 



products were key, 74% claimed to pay attention to ethical labels and 69% checked ingredient 

origin. Although there is still space for significant progress in raising consumer awareness, these 

indications are important for future target markets for cosmetic ingredients and products from 

Namibia. It was also highlighted that consumers expect cosmetic companies to do more in achieving 

and communicating their sustainable and ethical stance and that consumers are likely to have more 

trust in a company who is certified. Across the cosmetic sector, price and efficacy remain the two 

key factors driving purchase decisions for consumers but the barometer also showed that especially 

in emerging economies, an increasing number of people are also basing decisions on a brands social 

and environmental values. 

The importance of local market for products from biodiversity was highlighted by ISEAL Alliance 2 

along with increasing awareness of labels and standards to build up consumer trust in certified 

products. Resources in country should not be regarded as primarily there for export highlighting the 

importance of establishing local and region markets for cosmetic products in Southern Africa using 

indigenous natural resources. This is already being recognised in Southern Africa where the local 

private sector increasingly sees sustainability and organic production as an opportunity and the 

demand is increasing. 

Industry representatives present at the conference included Expanscience, Symrise, L’Oreal, Beraca 

and Natura Cosmetics some of whom the Value Chain Specialist has established contacts with. The 

information gathered at all the trade shows and conferences provides crucial information which will 

be included in the forthcoming Market Brief on cosmetic oils with key insights into trends and 

potential clients. PhytoTrade Africa is fundraising to be able to present Namibian INPs in 

forthcoming trade shows and conferences as this crucial area is not funded by MCA-N. 

2 The ISEAL Alliance is the global association for sustainability standards 


Product and PPO 

business 

Marula cosmetic 

oil/by-products/EWC 

5.3 Modified Product and Market Development Status Dashboard 


The modified “Product and Market Development Status Dashboard” given in the table below illustrates how the MCA-N Innovation Fund Round 3 project 

concepts seek to create impacts for the 4 targeted PPO businesses and address gaps in the product development process. 

Supply chain 

fully functional, 

supply capacity 

properly 

understood 

Quality of INPs 

Marula food oil/EWC Quality of INPs 

Marula fruit 

products 

/EWC 

KMS oil/EWC Quality of INPs 

Ximenia oil/byproducts/TTP 

Commiphora resin 

(C. angolensis) 

/KCCA/OPF 

Sarcocaulon 

/KCCA/OPF 

Mopane oil 

/KCCA/OPF 

Devil’s Claw (raw 

material) 

/EcoSo + PPOs 



Production 

process 

competitive, cost 

of production 

properly 

understood 

Oil processing 

technologies 


technologies 

Commercialisation 

Marula at EWMM 


technologies 


technologies 

Novel 

Opportunities for 

OPF 

Novel 


OPF 

Product fully 

characterised with 

specification 

Market Access Marula 

and DC 



Novel Opportunities 

for OPF 

Novel Opportunities 

for OPF 

Safety / toxicity 

studies, regulatory 

compliance 

Active Cosmetic 

Ingredients 

Market Access for 

Marula and DC 


Ingredients 


Ingredients 

Novel 


OPF 

Novel 


OPF 

USPs properly 

understood, 

adequate 

supporting technical 

information 


Ingredients 




Ingredients 


Ingredients 

Market potential 

understood 

including 

competitor 

analysis 


Ingredients 




Ingredients 


Ingredients 

Novel 


OPF 

Novel 


OPF 

Consumer 

products 

developed, 

formulation 

possibilities 

well 

established 

Active 

Cosmetic 

Ingredients 

Active 

Cosmetic 

Ingredients 

IP analysis and 

freedom to 

operate 

established, 

including ABS 

compliance 


Ingredients 




Ingredients 


Ingredients 

Novel 


OPF 

Novel 


OPF 

INP PPO Sub-activity 37 

Customers ready 

to commit to 

product, business 

plan possible 


Ingredients 




Ingredients 


Ingredients 

Novel 


OPF 

Novel 


OPF

Product and PPO 

business 

Devil’s Claw new 

extract for USA 

market 

/EcoSo+PPOs 

Manketti oil 

(No PPO business 

identified yet 


Supply chain 

fully functional, 

supply capacity 

properly 

understood 



Production 

process 

competitive, cost 

of production 

properly 

understood 


technologies 


Product fully 

characterised with 

specification 


Marula and DC 

Safety / toxicity 

studies, regulatory 

compliance 


Marula and DC 


Ingredients 

USPs properly 

understood, 

adequate 

supporting technical 

information 


Ingredients 

Quality of INPs = Quality improvement of Namibian Indigenous Natural Products 

Active Cosmetic Ingredients = Innovative, safe and active cosmetic ingredients 

Oil processing technologies = Accessing optimal and competitive oil processing technologies 

Market potential 

understood 

including 

competitor 

analysis 


Ingredients 

Market Access for Marula and DC = USA and EU Market Access for Marula fruit and Devil’s Claw products 

Novel Opportunities for OPF = Novel Business Opportunities for the Opuwo Processing Facility (OPF) 

Consumer 

products 

developed, 

formulation 

possibilities 

well 

established 

Active 

Cosmetic 

Ingredients 

Commercialisation Marula at EWMM = Commercialising Innovative Marula Fruit Products at Eudafano Women’s Marula Manufacturing 

IP analysis and 

freedom to 

operate 

established, 

including ABS 

compliance 


Ingredients 

Customers ready 

to commit to 

product, business 

plan possible 


Ingredients

6. OTHER ACTIVITIES 


In March, a meeting was held with colleagues from WWF Zambia who are planning to support the 

development and management of Devil’s Claw Resources in Western Province of Zambia. An 

exchange visit is planned for July 2012. 

On the 3 rd of March there was a meeting between MCA-N (Dave Cole), NRI (James Leith), CRIAA SA- 

DC (Saskia den Adel), the Namibian Organic Association (NOA, Manjo Smith), and Afrisco (Stephen 

Barrow) at the MCA-N offices. The main aim of the meeting was to discuss the possibilities for 

developing specific Devil’s Claw standards or guidelines that could be used in annual organic 

inspections, since the generic wild harvesting standards are to a large extent subjected to the 

interpretation of individual inspectors. We also discussed the possibility of Afrisco -now EU and 

IFOAM accredited- taking over the whole certification process from Ecocert. This may be especially 

interesting since Afrisco has expressed a willingness to train Namibian inspectors through the 

Namibian Organic Association. 

Saskia den Adel (CRIAA SA-DC) has been a member of the board of the Namibian Organic Association 

(NOA) since its inception. Her main role as a member of the board is to ensure that organic 

certification and related services (i.e. training) will be accessible to communal farmers and producers 

of INPs. During this quarter she attended one board meeting on the 8 th of March. 

Michel Mallet of CRIAA SA-DC attended (with Meike Honens of NEOI) the workshop “Rural 

Innovation – how to make it work in Namibia” on the 14 th of March organised by the Namibia 

Business Innovation Centre (NBIC) of the Polytechnic of Namibia, which included a focus on INPs and 

ABS. Subsequent meetings were held with the NBIC R&D Programmes Director (Dr Christiann Toelg) 

and team on future cooperation, including with the forthcoming “FabLab” (Fabrication Laboratory) 

which will soon be resourced to fabricate or refine small-scale prototype technologies for SMEs. 

On the 4 th of April Michel Mallet participated in the Management Committee of IPTT where the IPTT 

Plan of Action and budget was discussed. Support to TTP and Ximenia business development, as well 

as follow-up support to Marula Food Oil, were agreed in principle and earmarked in the Strategy & 

Action Plan. 

On the 19 th of April, James Leith and Karen Nott of NRI and M. Mallet of CRIAA SA-DC met with a 

consultant of FFEM, Alexia Legris (accompanied by Audrey Rousson and Cyril Lombard of 

PhytoTrade) reviewing and scoping with PhytoTrade members the 3-year project proposal submitted 

by PhytoTrade to FFEM and AFD (and provisionally approved) on INP commercialisation support. 

In April, IRDNC and NRI hosted a group from MCA-N and MCC at a training event held in Omuhama 

village (Orupupa Conservancy) as well as at the OPF. 

On 2 nd May 2012 the VCS specialist met with Linda de Jager and discussed the possibility of a 

television broadcast following up on the Carte Blanche programme featuring the Opuwo processing 

facility and Commiphora. Other programmes were also discussed. Linda plans to visit Namibia during 

July and co-ordination will be through NRI and IRDNC. 

A group of Polytechnic of Namibia students and lecturers were hosted in Caprivi during May. Discussions 

around Devil’s Claw resources and field visits to PPOs and harvesting sites were conducted. 



On the 8 th of May M. Mallet attended the official launch of the Namibia’s Industrial Upgrading and 

Modernization Programme (IUMP), a 3 year programme of MTI and UNIDO to supported selected SMEs 

in specific sectors, including the agro-processing and the pharmaceutical (cosmetics included) sectors. A 

National Upgrading Office is to be opened within MTI in July 2012 and a dedicated website created. 

Right: Ms Cassandra Butts (Senior Advisor to the CEO 

of MCC) discussing Devil’s Claw issues and training 

approaches with Eben Tjiteere of IRDNC. 


Left: Ms Penny Akwenye, CEO of MCA-N 

addressing the PPO representatives at the 

Devil’s Claw workshop held at Mashare 

Training Centre on 22 May 2012 

NNF and NRI hosted a high level delegation from MCC and MCA-N at a training event held at the 

Mashare Training Centre with the Kavango PPOs in May. 

NRI attended various meetings held to review M&E activities relating to the baseline survey as well 

as the evaluation activities. Comments were provided on the different versions of the related 

reports. 

NRI visited two of the Traditional Authorities (the Mafwe TA and the Mayeye TA) during March to 

give feedback on the INP activities during the previous year. The visits were much appreciated. 

Six representatives from the newly established Devil’s Claw harvester groups in southern Angola 

attended a Trainer of Trainers workshop held in Rundu at the end of March. 

NRI and IRDNC submitted a grant proposal to the MCA-N Tourism Activity for the construction of a 

visitor’s centre next to the OPF in Opuwo.

7. MONITORING AND EVALUATION 


Revisions of a number of the Indicators have approved by MCA-N in the last M&E plan revision. The table below shows the approved indicators and targets. 

Targets (all dates refer to the end of the given month) 

Indicator 

Nov 

10 

Feb 

11 

May 

11 

Aug 

11 

Nov 

11 

Feb 

12 

May 

12 

Aug 

12 

Nov 

12 

Feb 

13 

May 

13 

Aug 

13 

Nov 

13 

Feb 

14 

May 

14 

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6 Q7 Q8 Q9 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 

1.PPOs with signed service contract 10 13 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 60 60 60 

2. INP producers mobilised and 

trained 

3. INP producers who have been 

200 500 1000 2000 3000 4000 4500 5000 5500 6000 6500 7000 7000 7000 7000 

trained in sustainable harvesting 

techniques 

250 500 750 1000 1250 1500 1750 

4. Value of PPIGs signed, in US$ 20000 40000 80000 120000 160000 180000 200000 

5. PPOs that have developed and 

are using a business plan 

6. PPOs trained in organisational 

management 

7. PPOs trained in business and 

marketing principles 

8. PPOs with Resource 

Management/ Monitoring Plans for 

environmentally fragile INPs 

10 13 15 20 25 30 40 50 60 

10 13 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 

10 13 15 20 25 30 40 45 50 55 60 

5 10 13 15 20 25 30 

9. PPOs certified 2 

The indicators above are those provided in the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (Revision 3: 5 March 2012; Approved: 15 March 2012) and reported on in 

the Indicator Tracking Table 3 . 

3 When submitting quarterly reports, the consultant shall report complete data and information as of the last completed quarter, and the actual data to date for the 

current quarter. For example, if the quarterly report is being submitted for Q7, then consultant will submit a complete quarter of monitoring data for Q6, and the data 

available to date for quarter 7. Quarter’s 7 data will then be updated in the next quarter. 



Indicator Tracking Table (monthly achievements for Q7) 

Indicator 

1. PPOs with signed service 

contract 

2. INP producers mobilised and 

trained 

3. INP producers who have been 

trained in sustainable 

harvesting techniques 


Target, 

by end of Q7, 

31 May 2012 

Achieved by 

30March 

2012 

Achieved by 

30 April 2012 

Achieved, 

by end of Q7, 

31 May 2012 

35 56 56 58 

4500 

750 

5,313 

2,857 female 

2,456 male 

3,438 

1,686 female 

1,752 male 

5,773 

3,123 female 

2,650 male 

3,889 

1,946 female 

1,943 male 

6,027 

3,322 female 

2,705 male 

3,960 

1,972 female 

1,988 male 

4. Value of PPIGs signed, in US$ 100,000 72,534 72,534 79,091 

5. PPOs that have developed and 

are using a business plan 

6. PPOs trained in organisational 

management 

15 8 9 10 

30 39 39 39 

Data collection 

Source 

Service contracts 

between INP PPOs 

and consultant 

Event reports 

Workshops’ 

documentation – 

signed attendance 

sheets 

Signed grant forms 

submitted to service 

provider and then 

approved 

Formulated PPO 

business plans 

Workshops’ 



sheets 

Data Collection Method 

Field visits by service 

providers to PPOs for 

signatures 

Event reports from field 

visits by service providers 

to PPOs and numbers of 

registered harvesters 

Workshop facilitators’ 

records and event report 

Review of approved PPIG 

applications 

Field visits by 

implementing agencies to 

PPOs; service providers 

supporting development 

of plans 


records 


(period or frequency) 

Once-off collection of 

signed service 

contracts 

At end of each 

training session 

Facilitator will collect 

after every training 

workshop 

Every three months 

by service providers 

Every three months 

commencing in May 

2011 until August 

2012 



workshop, from 

February 2011 until 

May 2012

Indicator 

7. PPOs trained in business and 

marketing principles 


Management /Monitoring 

plans for environmentally 

fragile INPs 

Target, 

by end of Q7, 

31 May 2012 

Achieved by 

30March 

2012 

Achieved by 

30 April 2012 

Achieved, 

by end of Q7, 

31 May 2012 

2525 8 8 8 

13 13 13 13 

9. PPOs certified 0 3 3 3 

This table describes the data collected including delivered reports, and tracks results against targets. 


Source 

Workshops’ 



sheets and event 

reports 

INP plans as part of 

PPO management 

frameworks 

Certification records 

held in MCA-N offices 


Data Collection Method 


records and event reports 

Field visits by service 

providers to PPOs to 

support development of 

plans 

Communication with 

MCA-N offices 


(period or frequency) 



workshop, from 

February 2011 until 

May 2012 

Service providers will 

collect every three 

months commencing 

in November 2011 

until February 2013 

Once-off certification 

in May 2014 

A mitigation plan has been formulated to ensure that NRI meets the target for Indicator 7: PPOs trained in business and marketing principles. This involved 

the following actions in Q8: 

Completing the training manual and testing it; 

Working with colleagues from CDSS who are using a similar training module related to tourism enterprises and establishing which PPOs have 

already received this training from CDSS; 

Presenting joint training (with CDSS) to 15 PPOs during Q8. 

Once the materials and methods have been finalised during Q8, then rolling out this training to other PPOs in Q9 and Q10. 



A summary table follows, of the provisional progress of data collection for this quarter (Q7) under each of the 9 Indicators relating to the Sub-activity. It also gives 

the finally achieved progress for the previous quarter (Q6) and the cumulative progress to date towards the final target figures for the Indicators. 

Indicators 

1. PPOs with signed 

service contract 

2. INP producers 

mobilised and trained 

3. INP producers who 

have been trained in 

sustainable harvesting 

techniques 

4. Value of PPIGs signed, 

in US$ 

5. PPOs that have 

developed and are using a 

business plan 

6. PPOs trained in 

organisational 

management 

7. PPOs trained in 

business and marketing 

principles 


Management/Monitoring 

plans for environmentally 

fragile INPs 

Provisional 

achievement 

during current 

reporting Q7 


Target for 

current reporting 

Q7 

Finally 

achieved 

during 

previous Q6 

Target for 

previous 

quarter Q6 

Cumulative 

achievement at 

end of current Q7 

Cumulative 

target at end of 

current Q7 

2 5 56 30 58 35 

1,597 500 4,430 4000 6,027 4500 

1,262 250 2,698 500 3,960 750 

6,557 20,000 72,534 80,000 79,091 100,000 

6 2 6 13 10 15 

Comments 

Although only two new SA were singed this 

quarter, the activity is still well ahead of target. 

Most of these producers are female (3,322 

female; 2,705 male) 

Of these producers, 1,972 were female and 

1,988 male. 

Three additional business plans have been 

drafted but are not yet fully implemented. 

1 5 38 25 39 30 This achievement exceeds the target. 

2 5 6 20 8 25 

0 3 13 10 13 13 

9.PPOs certified 3 0 3 0 3 0 

This training theme will receive focussed 

attention during the next quarter. The first 

priority will be to finalise appropriate training 

materials. 

Some of the resource management plans 

drafted in Q6 have not yet been fully 

implemented. This will be done in Q8. 

The next organic inspection will take place in 

July 2012.

8. PROJECT RISKS 

1. Risks identified in the Inception log frame 

Risks Likelihood Impact Summary 

Existing documented and grey literature is accessible Low Low Risk resolved 

Environmental and social impacts (negative and positive) can be 

identified and mitigated/maximised 

Medium High 


Environmental tools now developed to mitigate the risks and maximise the 

benefits – yet to be field tested in response to market stimulation 

Criteria for PPO selection could be subject to rapid change. Low Low This will be addressed by regular PPO Diagnostic review. 

GSIP implementation subject to change, depending on additional 

research and experiences throughout project period. 

PPO may have unrealistic expectations about the levels of support 

they could receive. 

Training and support plan could be subject to change as institutional 

priorities adjust. 

Grant Manual may not be able to accommodate shifting needs of 

PPOs. 

Low Low Risk on-going 

Low Low 

Low Low 

Low Low 

PPOs may lack capacity to submit applications. Low Low 

Extraneous activities cause distractions Low Low 

Risk on-going. 

Several harvester groups have expectations of support but do not meet 

the criteria for that support. For example, KMS harvester groups are not 

being supported as there is little market demand for their product. 

Responses to requests for support need to be addressed on a case-by-case 

basis. 


This will be addressed by regular review of the training and support plan. 


Risk addressed by including a range of possible goods and services and 

adjusting by PPIG ‘rounds’. 


This will be mitigated by focussed support to explain the application 

process. 


Activities, such as the distribution of PPIG equipment to PPOs by service 

providers, may create additional work for them. 




Risks Likelihood Impact Summary 

2. On-going risks identified since the inception and during project implementation 

Strengthening of market access requirements in countries of INP 

export 

Change in Namibian export policy of raw and semi-processed INP 

ingredients/products from unregulated to controlled regime 

Low High 

Medium High 

Multiplicity of survey teams interviewing PPOs confuses them Medium Medium 

Extreme weather events causes delay in field activities Medium Medium 

3. New on-going risks identified since QPR4 

Implementation of the Convention on Bio-Diversity (CBD) Access and 

Benefit Sharing (ABS) legislation in Namibia and third countries 

discourages investment and increases transaction costs for INPs 

Government legislative and policy environment does not enable the 

implementation of activities due to stringent compliance 

requirements e.g. research and collection permits 

Medium High 

Medium High 

Risk on-going. Risk addressed by monitoring existing export markets and 

anticipating adverse change as far as it can be predicted. 

Risk is on-going. This could only partly be mitigated by shifting focus to 

finished INP products, but is unlikely to restore INP volumes previously 

marketed, or income levels for PPO members. 

Risk on-going. Account should be taken of the time and resources 

committed by the team to these activities. 

Outside control of INP PPO Sub-activity, but can be mitigated through on going 

engagement with survey teams and continued discussion with MCA-N. 

Abnormally high rainfall in reporting quarter, causing flooding and restricting 

access to parts of North Central Regions. Addressed by rescheduling training 

events and field activities to post-flooding in these areas. 

New ABS legislation in South Africa might increase the regulatory hurdles 

necessary for export from Namibia for inclusion in South African products. 

Proposed legislation in Namibia may discourage investment (because the 

future share of income streams is unknown) or at least cause confusion. 

The MET does not have a clear definition of what research is and which 

activities require research and collection permits. The requirement for 

permits, to conduct surveys and to collect information or samples in order 

to inform decision-making by PPOs and service providers, could severely 

impede the progress of activities.

9. OUTSTANDING ISSUES AND RECOMMENDATIONS 


There is a discrepancy in the value given for indicator 3 in the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan 

(Revision 3: 5 March 2012; Approved: 15 March 2012). On page 11 of Annex 2 the target for the end 

of the compact is 1,250 whereas on page 54 of Annex 3 it is given as 1,750. This target has already 

been exceeded so making the adjustments to the documentation is not of immediate importance. 

We are concerned about the implications of inconsistent and inappropriate application of the Devil’s 

Claw policy on our ability to attain the targets for Devil’s Claw sales. Though a meeting between the 

interested parties was planned, the damage to harvesting effort may have already occurred. We 

recommend that this issue is closely followed by MCA-N. A meeting is scheduled for 11 June 2012 

with MET and further training for MET Regional officers before the start of the 2013 season has been 

discussed. 

The complex issue of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Kunene Commiphora Association 

and Phytotrade has still to be resolved. Although NRI, IRDNC and IPTT are members of Phytotrade, 

the PPOs are not. This creates the need for a clear mandate from the PPOs for Phytotrade to 

negotiate with V. Mane Fils on their behalf. We will continue to work on this in the next quarter. 

Inclement weather has hit this year’s Ximenia harvest. This has come at a time when demand for 

ximenia is strong. NRI and its partners are making every effort to supply the market this year and 

find resolutions for next season that are sustainable. 



ANNEX A. SERVICE AGREEMENTS 

PPO No. PPO Name 


Responsible 

Service 

Provider 

INP 

Date of first signing of 

Service Agreement 

KUNENE 

1 Marienfluss IRDNC Commiphora 21 Oct 2010 

CAPRIVI 

OHANGWENA 

2 Orupembe IRDNC Commiphora 17 Oct 2010 

3 Sanitatas IRDNC Commiphora 19 Oct 2010 

4 Okondjombo IRDNC Commiphora 17 Oct 2010 

5 Puros IRDNC Commiphora 18 Oct 2010 

6 Anabeb IRDNC Mopane 15 Nov 2010 

8 Orupupa IRDNC Mopane and Devil’s Claw 11 Nov 2010 

9 Otjiu West IRDNC Mopane 16 Oct 2010 

12 Opuwo Processing Facility IRDNC Commiphora and Mopane 18 Oct 2010 

13 Ehirovipuka IRDNC Devil’s Claw 25 Mar 2011 

14 Kyaramacan IRDNC Devil’s Claw 11 Feb 2011 

15 Kwando IRDNC Devil’s Claw 10 Feb 2011 

16 Mayuni IRDNC Devil’s Claw 14 Feb 2011 

17 Mashi IRDNC Devil’s Claw 10 Feb 2011 

18 Sobbe IRDNC Devil’s Claw 10 Feb 2011 

19 Balyerwa IRDNC Devil’s Claw 26 Feb 2011 

20 Wuparo IRDNC Devil’s Claw 26 Feb 2011 

21 Dzoti IRDNC Devil’s Claw 26 Feb 2011 

24 Masida IRDNC Devil’s Claw 10 Feb 2011 

25 Lubuta IRDNC Devil’s Claw 10 Feb 2011 

27 Ngonga IRDNC Devil’s Claw 10 Feb 2011 

28 Sachona IRDNC Devil’s Claw 10 Feb 2011 

29 Epandulo CRIAA SA-DC Marula 13 Apr 2011 

30 Lyeendongula CRIAA SA-DC Marula 12 Apr 2011 

31 Meameno CRIAA SA-DC Marula 12 Apr 2011 

32 Tulongeni CRIAA SA-DC Marula 13 Apr 2011 

33 Diinina CRIAA SA-DC Marula 14 June 2011 

34 Oshawapala CRIAA SA-DC Marula 12 Apr 2011 

35 


Producers (TTP) 

CRIAA SA-DC Ximenia 21 Oct 2011


OMUSATI 

OSHANA 

OSHIKOTO 

OMAHEKE 

Responsible 

Service Provider 


INP 

Date of first signing of 

Service Agreement 

37 Pendapala CRIAA SA-DC Marula 13 Apr 2011 

38 Okahulo CRIAA SA-DC Marula 12 Apr 2011 

39 Tunetu CRIAA SA-DC Marula 13 Apr 2011 

40 Gwamiitayi CRIAA SA-DC Marula 13 Apr 2011 

41 Mangundu CRIAA SA-DC Marula 12 Apr 2011 

42 Omafa CRIAA SA-DC Marula 13 Apr 2011 

43 Okalyohambo CRIAA SA-DC Marula 25 June 2011 

44 Onongalo CRIAA SA-DC Marula 12 Apr 2011 

45 Iingungula CRIAA SA-DC Marula 12 Apr 2011 

48 Shifula CRIAA SA-DC Marula 12 Apr 2011 

49 EWWMM Pty Ltd CRIAA-SA-DC Marula pending 

50 Eudafano Women Co-operative CRIAA SA-DC Marula 11 Apr 2011 

52 Nkugoyepongo CRIAA SA-DC Marula 7 Jun 2011 

54 Omuntele CRIAA SA-DC Marula 13 Apr 2011 

55 Nakagumbo CRIAA SA-DC Marula 12 Apr 2011 

56 Iihongo CRIAA SA-DC Marula 13 Apr 2011 

58 Kuupenda CRIAA SA-DC Marula 12 Apr 2011 

61 Vergenoeg CRIAA SA-DC Devil’s Claw 9 Dec 2010 

62 Gemsbokfontein CRIAA SA-DC Devil’s Claw 12 Jan 2011 

63 Tjaka Ben Hur CRIAA SA-DC Devil’s Claw 13 Jan 2011 

64 Donkerbos/Sonneblom* CRIAA SA-DC Devil’s Claw 11 Jan 2011 

OTJOZONDJUPA 

KAVANGO 

69 NyaeNyae CRIAA SA-DC Devil’s Claw 14 Dec 2010 

70 N#aJaqna CRIAA SA-DC Devil’s Claw 8 Jun 2011 

72 African Wild Dog Cons CRIAA-SA-DC Devil’s Claw 8 May 2012 

75 Ondjou CRIAA-SA-DC Devil’s Claw 11 May 2012 

76 Muduva Nyangana NNF Devil’s Claw 31 Jan 2011 

77 George Mukoya NNF Devil’s Claw 31 Jan 2011 

78 Joseph Mbambangandu NNF Devil’s Claw 31 Jan 2011 

80 Daniel Sitentu Mpasi NNF Devil’s Claw 26 Jan 2012 

81 Katope CF NNF Devil’s Claw 27 Jan 2012 

* Discontinued 







ANNEX B. SUMMARY OF STATUS OF PREPARATION OF TRAINING MODULES 

The development and testing of written training materials have continued, and the full 

implementation of the contracted training of PPO members is underway. The current status of 

compilation of all the training modules is as follows. 

Types of training provided by service providers to PPO members 

A Information sharing, planning and feedback 

B Clustered training for PPO staff and management 

C Specialised or technical training events for selected individuals 

D Harvester training, on site, at village level 

E Processor training 

F Exchange visits 

G Training of trainers 

Theme No. Module Title 

Organisational 

Development 

Business and 

Marketing Skills 

Leadership 

Sustainable 

Resource 

Utilisation 

INP Management 


TM- 

Trainers’ 

Manual 

UM-Users’ 

Manual 

1 Organising harvester groups UM 9 April 2011 

2 Managing CBOs On hold 

3 Roles and responsibilities UM 10 April 2011 

Date Compiled, or Current 

Compiler, or On Hold 

4 Financial management TM From CDSS on 30 August 2011 

5 Organising an annual general meeting TM 1 March 2011 

6 

7 

Integration of INPs into CBO 

management 

Introduction to business and marketing 

principles 

8 Negotiation skills and contracts On hold 

9 Product development and adding value On hold 

10 Pricing, benefits and overheads of INPs On hold 

DoF materials being used for CF 

registration 

Manual to be completed and 

tested in Q8 

11 Managing a buying point UM 24 February 2011 

12 Conflict resolution 31 October 2011 

13 Decision-making and planning On hold 

14 Report writing On hold 

15 Policy and permits UM 24 February 2011 

16 Harvester registration and rules UM 1 March 2011 

17 Harvesting practices UM 24 February 2011 

18 

19 

Management and monitoring plans to 

implement adaptive management 

Methods for monitoring during and after 

the harvest 

TM 31 August 2011 

TM 30 April 2012

Gender 

Theme No. Module Title 

Administrative 

Skills 

20 Gender Action Learning System 

21 Gender for management committees 

22 

Public speaking and communication 

skills 


TM- 

Trainers’ 

Manual 

UM-Users’ 

Manual 

Date Compiled, or Current 

Compiler, or On Hold 

To be compiled by Saskia den 

Adel, CRIAA, after field research 

TM 24 February 2011 

23 Office management On hold 

24 Taking minutes at a meeting 

25 Proposal writing On hold 

INP Quality 26 Monitoring of material against standards On hold 

Processing 27 Processing of Mopane and Commiphora 

Business Planning 28 Business plans – three levels 

Being compiled by Daniela Neu, 

CRIAA 

Draft completed 8 March – 

formatting still to be done. 

Draft completed – formatting 

still to be done. 

The development of several units listed above has been put ‘on hold’. Modules 2, 6, 8, 9,10, 23, 

25 and 26 are on hold because of the varied natures of both the PPOs and their INPs. These 

make it difficult to develop one module under each title that is relevant to the training needs of 

all PPOs. Also, as the training schedule has been implemented, it has become apparent that, 

whilst the training of these modules remains a need for all PPOs, it is important that institutional 

and marketing issues are first addressed. Modules 27 and 28 have been drafted but need editing 

and formatting which will be completed within the next quarter. 



ANNEX C. SUMMARY OF EXISTING PPIG CONTRACTS 

The tables contain the full lists of equipment provided to 18 PPOs under Round 1 of the PPIG award scheme, to five PPOs under Round 2 and to 4 PPOs 

under Round 3. At the end of Q7, the total value of the PPIG grants awarded was N$ 633,495.88 (US$ 79,091). 

Round 1 



8-12 cm blade 

stainless steel knives 

30-40% shade 

netting, c.3x2m 

Rolls of shade 

netting required 


netting Issued 

50 kg polypropylene 

woven bags 

50 kg hanging scales 

with test weights 

bag closer - 

electrical 

bag closer - manual 

1x1.2x0.15m 

wooden pallets 

304 mm mesh 

baskets with seals 

silicon seals for 

baskets 

glass separator jars 

cheese cloth kg 

1000 ml brown glass 

bottles 


bottles 

Value (N$) 

Excluding VAT 

12 Opuwo Processing Facility 13 9 6 10 1000 108 37, 846.28 

13 Ehirovipuka 60 60 2.4 3 240 1 1 11, 098.13 

14 Kyaramacan 465 465 18.6 19 1860 2 2 48 47, 749.05 

15 Kwando 165 165 6.6 7 660 1 1 17, 870.33 

16 Mayuni 110 110 4.4 5 440 1 1 14, 430.13 

17 Mashi et al. 300 300 12 12 1200 1 1 26, 416.73 

19 Balyerwa 80 80 3.2 4 320 1 1 12, 655.93 

20 Wuparo 149 149 5.96 6 596 1 1 16, 399.09 

21 Dzoti 140 140 5.6 6 560 1 9, 779.60 

24 Masida et al. 120 120 4.8 5 480 1 1 8, 960.93 

61 Vergenoeg 150 150 6 6 600 2 11, 474.26 

62 Gemsbokfontein 50 50 2 2 400 2 5, 522.26 

63 Tjaka Ben Hur 300 300 12 12 2000 2 24, 318.26


8-12 cm blade 

stainless steel knives 

30-40% shade 

netting, c.3x2m 


netting required 


netting Issued 

50 kg polypropylene 

woven bags 

50 kg hanging scales 

with test weights 

bag closer - 

electrical 

bag closer - manual 

1x1.2x0.15m 

wooden pallets 

304 mm mesh 

baskets with seals 

silicon seals for 

baskets 

glass separator jars 


cheese cloth kg 


bottles 


bottles 

Value (N$) 

Excluding VAT 

64 Donkerbos/Sonneblom 50 50 2 2 200 2 4, 810.26 

69 NyaeNyae 450 450 18 18 1800 2 31, 466.26 

76 Muduva Nyangana 60 60 2.4 3 240 1 5, 412.53 

77 George Mukoya 115 115 4.6 5 460 1 8, 852.73 

78 Joseph Mbambangandu 45 45 1.8 2 180 1 3, 962.93 

Round 2 


6 m container 

store room 

Folding table chair Wall safe Signage 

TOTAL(N$) 299 ,025.69 

TOTAL (US$) 39,700.78 

Value (N$) Excluding 

VAT 

3 Sanitatas 1 1 2 1 55,973.67 

15 Kwando 1 1 2 1 1 57,218.99 

61 Vergenoeg 1 1 2 2 55,973.67 

63 Tjaka Ben Hur 1 1 2 2 55,973.67 

70 N≠a Jaqna 1 1 2 2 53,860.00 

TOTAL(N$) 279,000.00 

TOTAL (US$) 32,833.07 



Round 3 



Stainless steel 

knives 

Polypropylene 

Bags 

Shade Netting 

Hanging 

Scales 

Bag Closer 

Folding Table 

Chairs 

Wall safe 

Value (N$) Excluding 

VAT 

8 Orupupa 135 540 300m 2 1 16 590.08 

70 N≠a Jaqna 683 2000 1 2 1 13 700.20 

80 Daniel Sitentu Mpasi 75 300 150m 2 1 12 589.95 

81 Katope 75 300 150m 2 1 12 589.95 

TOTAL(N$) 55, 470.19 

TOTAL (US$) 6,557.07

ANNEX D. WORK PLAN FOR 2012 


The PPOs eligible for support in Year 2 of the Sub-activity, 2012 (revised in March 2012), 

and the work plan for training interventions into each PPO are as follows. 

Service provider 

Region 

Service 

provider 

Region 

PPO no. 

IRDNC 1 

CRIAA SA-DC 2 

NNF 3 

Kunene 1 

Caprivi 2 

Ohangwena 3 

Omusati 4 

Oshana 5 

Oshikoto 6 

Omaheke 7 

Otjozondjupa 11 

Kavango 12 

PPO Name Resource 

1 1 1 Marienfluss Conservancy /Community Forest Commiphora & Sarcocaulon 

1 1 2 Orupembe Conservancy/Community Forest Commiphora & Sarcocaulon 

1 1 3 Sanitatas Conservancy/Community Forest Commiphora & Sarcocaulon 

1 1 4 Okondjombo Conservancy/ Community Forest Commiphora & Sarcocaulon 

1 1 5 Puros Conservancy/Community Forest Commiphora & Sarcocaulon 

1 1 8 Orupupa Conservancy DC 

1 1 9 Otjiu-West Conservancy/Community Forest Commiphora 

1 1 12 Opuwo Processing Facility Commiphora & mopane 

1 1 13 Ehirovipuka Conservancy DC 

1 2 14 Kyaramacan Association DC 

1 2 15 Kwando Conservancy/Community forest (MNC) DC 

1 2 16 Mayuni Conservancy (MNC) DC 

1 2 17 Mashi Conservancy (MNC) DC 

1 2 18 Sobbe Conservancy (MNC) DC 

1 2 19 Balyerwa Consrvancy and Community Forest (MSC) DC 

1 2 20 Wuparo Conservancy and Community Forest (MSC) DC 

1 2 21 Dzoti Conservancy and Community Forest (MSC) DC 

1 2 24 Masida Community Forest (Sobbe Cons.) DC 

1 2 25 Lubuta Community Forest (Mashi Cons.) DC 

1 2 27 Ngonga Community Forest (Lizauli Cons) DC 

1 2 28 Sachona Community Forest DC 



Service 

provider 

Region 

PPO no. 


PPO Name Resource 

2 3 29 EpanduloAssociation (EWC) Marula 

2 3 30 LyeendongulaAssociation (EWC) Marula 

2 3 31 MeamenoAssociation (EWC) Marula 

2 3 32 TulongeniAssociation (EWC) Marula 

2 3 33 DiininaAssociation (EWC) Marula 

2 3 34 OshawapalaAssociation (EWC) Marula 

2 3 35 Tulongeni Twahangana Producers (TTP) Ximenia 

2 4 37 PendapalaAssociation (EWC) Marula 

2 4 38 OkahuloAssociation (EWC) Marula 

2 4 39 Tunetu Association (EWC) Marula 

2 4 40 GwamiitayiAssociation (EWC) Marula 

2 4 41 MangunduAssociation (EWC) Marula 

2 4 42 OmafaAssociation (EWC) Marula 

2 4 43 OkalyohamboAssociation (EWC) Marula 

2 4 44 OnangaloAssociation (EWC) Marula 

2 4 45 IingungulaAssociation (EWC) Marula 

2 5 48 ShifulaAssociation (EWC) Marula 

2 5 49 EWMM Pty Ltd as EWC factory company Marula 

2 5 50 Eudafano Women Cooperative Marula 

2 5 52 NkugoyepongoAssociation (EWC) Marula 

2 6 54 OmunteleAssociation (EWC) Marula 

2 6 55 NakagumboAssociation (EWC) Marula 

2 6 56 IihongoAssociation (EWC) Marula 

2 6 58 KuupendaAssociation (EWC) Marula 

2 7 61 SHDC Vergenoeg DC 

2 7 62 SHDC Gemsbokfontein DC 

2 7 63 SHDC Tjaka Ben Hur DC 

2 11 69 Nyae Nyae Conservancy DC 

2 11 70 N≠aJaqna Conservancy DC 

2 11 72 African Wild Dog Conservancy DC 

2/3 11 75 Ondjou Conservany (Gam) DC 

3 12 76 Muduva NyanganaConservancy DC 

3 12 77 George Mukoya Conservancy DC 

3 12 78 Joseph Mbambangandu Conservancy DC 

3 12 80 Daniel Sitentu Mpasi Conservancy DC 

3 12 81 Katope Community Forest DC

Training and technical support plan for 2012 

Themes and modules 

TRAINING THEMES TRAINING MODULES 

Organizational 

Development 

Business and marketing 

skills 

Leadership 

Sustainable resource 

utilization 

INP management 

Gender 

Administrative skills 

1 Organizing harvester groups 

2 Managing CBOs 

3 Roles and responsibilities 

4 Financial management 

5 Organizing an AGM 

6 Integration of INPs into CBO management 


7 Introduction to business and marketing principles 

8 Negotiation skills and contracts 

9 Product development and adding value 

10 Pricing, benefits and overheads of INPs 

11 Managing a buying point 

12 Conflict resolution 

13 Decision-making and planning 

14 Report writing 



17 Harvesting practices 

18 Management and monitoring plans 

19 Methods for monitoring during and after the harvest 

20 Gender Action Learning System 

21 Gender for Management Committees 

22 Public speaking/communication skills 

23 Office management 

24 Taking minutes of a meeting 

25 Proposal writing 

INP quality 26 Monitoring of material against standards 

Processing 27 Processing of DC, Mopane or Commiphora 

Business plans 28 Business plans – three levels 

Enrichment planting 29 Nursery management and enrichment planting 



Summary of Service providers and planned interventions in 2012 

Resource 

Commiphoraand 

Sarcocaulon 


Service 

provider 

No. of PPOs 

to receive 

training 

No. of training 

module 

events* 

No. of PPOs 

to receive 

technical 

support 

No. of 

training 

theme 

events* 

IRDNC 2 3 7 11 

Ximenia CRIAA 1 13 1 11 

Marula CRIAA 23 11 23 13 


CRIAA 7 15 7 15 

NNF 1 7 4 8 

IRDNC 7 6 14 11 

Total 41 56 

*Not all the PPOs will receive training or technical support relating to all of these modules or 

themes 

In the following tables of training to be provided in 2012, the symbols indicate: 

X Training definitely to be provided 

* Training not definitely to be provided, but likely to be 

? Currently uncertain whether training will be provided.

Commiphora and Sarcocaulon Ximenia 

Module 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

TR 

PPO No. 

1 2 3 4 5 8 12 

TS X X X X X X 

TR X 

TS X 

TR X X 

TS X 

TR X 

TS X 

TR 

TS X X X X X 

10 TR 

TS X 

11 TR 

TS X X X X 

18 TR 

TS X X X X X X 

26 TR 

TS X 

27 TR 

TS X 

28 TR 

TS X 

Module 

1 

3 

4 

5 

7 

8 

10 

11 

13 

23 

24 

26 

27 

28 



35 

TR X 

TS 

TR X 

TS 

TR X 

TS X 

TR X 

TS X 

TR X 

TS 

TR 

TS X 

TR X 

TS X 

TR X 

TS X 

TR X 

TS X 

TR X 

TS X 

TR X 

TS X 

TR X 

TS X 

TR X 

TS X 

TR X 

TS X 


Module 



1 

2 

3 

4 

7 

8 

10 

11 

15 

16 

17 



8 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 27 28 61 62 63 69 70 72 75 76 77 78 80 

TR X X X X X X X 

TS X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

TR X X X X 

TS X X X X X X X 

TR X X X X 

TS X X X X 

TR X X 

TS X X X X X X X 


TS 

TR X X X X X X X X X 


TR X X X 

TS X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

TR X X X X X X X X X 


TR X X X 


TR X X X X X X X X 


TR X X X X X 

TS X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Module 

18 

19 

26 

28 

29 



8 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 27 28 61 62 63 69 70 72 75 76 77 78 80 

TR X X X X X X X X X X 

TS X X X X X X X X X X X 



TR 

TS X X X 

TR X X X X X X X X X X X ? ? 

TS X X X X X X X X 

TR X X X X 

TS X X X X 


Module 


Marula 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

7 

8 

10 

11 

12 



29 30 31 32 33 34 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 48 49 50 52 54 55 56 58 

TR X X X 

TS 

TR 

TS X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

TR X X X 

TS 

TR X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 


TR X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 


TR X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

TS X X 

TR * 

TS X * 

TR * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

TS X X 

TR X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

TS X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X * X X X X X 

TR X 

TS X

Module 

13 

23 

26 

27 

28 



29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 

TR X 

TS X X 

TR X X 

TS X X 

TR X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 


TR * 

TS X 

TR X X X X X X X X X X X X X X ? X X X X X X

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