Devil's claw, known for its effective treatment of arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, probably has one of the oldest histories in the commercialisation of any indigenous natural plant product in Namibia, starting in the 1960s. Found almost throughout Namibia, with the exception of the arid west, devil's claw is an important INP in terms of the number of the poorest of the poor earning much-needed supplementary cash income by being involved in its harvesting and trade. It is also important because of the volumes traded and the significant export earnings that Namibia accrues, which depending on volume, are estimated to be in the region of N$20-30 million per annum over the last five years.