The demand and supply of the current Hoodia market is in a precarious position. Sufficient supplies exist for Hoodia gordonii plants and its derived products from Southern Africa, especially Namibia and the Republic of South Africa (RSA). The demand for Hoodia gordonii has ceased to a near halt. Since Unilever has terminated its contract with the relevant authorities in South Africa, the worldwide demand for hoodia derived products has decreased drastically. One of the main reasons for this stalemate is the lack of any clinical tests and proof(s) that the P57, found within Hoodia plants, is beneficial to human kind in suppressing hunger or any other diet related activities. This situation developed since early 2009 concurrent with the world-wide economic downturn; however, it is not anticipated that demand will ever increase again. What is needed urgently is a proof that Hoodia and its derived products is/can be beneficial to human kind as well as safe for consumption with some specified, recommended amounts. There are rumours and public experience that it is beneficial but no evidence on the public safety and efficacy in using Hoodia derived products for this. There is also further information available derived from traditional knowledge that hoodia can be beneficial to other health related facts such as diabetes, blood pressure and gout, but again without any clinical tests. The EU funded an N$ 9.4 million project aimed at reducing poverty in the southern arid regions of Namibia, being the Hardap and Karas regions. The Hoodia plant is a drought tolerant plant and in commercial production has many benefits. If a reliable market can be created through sufficient trust in the safety and efficacy of Hoodia derived products, it could contribute significantly to reduce poverty in the southern arid regions of Namibia.