Namibia is the driest and least densely populated country south of the Sahara Desert. It covers an area of more than 824,000 km² and has an estimated population of about 2.2 million people. Fortunately, Namibia is endowed with a rich biodiversity, including more than 690 rare and endemic or near-endemic plant species. A considerable number of these are also drought-adapted plants with actual and potential agricultural significance. Sustainable wild harvesting and trading of INPs has the potential to contribute significantly to the alleviation of rural poverty and conservation of natural resources, partially through trade with developed markets internationally. Typically the poorest of the poor live in rural areas, and more often women who depend on INPs to improve their food security and who are increasingly engaged in the commercialisation of these products to improve their livelihoods. The positive impact and the economic value of natural products on the conservation of INPs in Namibia is gaining wide recognition with Government, civil society and community leaders alike, as rural communities increasingly assume more responsibility for the sustainable use and management of INPs.