Devil's Claw is a medicinal plant found in southern Africa. Since the 1960's there has been an export trade to Europe where it is valued for its analgesic and anti-inflamatory properties. In recent years the trade has grown rapidly and is now worth up to US$1m annually.

However there are now growing concerns about the sustainablity of this trade and the conservation status of the plant.

The four main aims of this project are:

- To determine the distribution of Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) in South Africa;

- To determine the amount of Devil's Claw currently being harvested in South Africa;

- To determine how many and which South Africans are harvesting this plant, and what role this plays in their livelihoods;

- To develop policy recommendations to ensure the sustainable use of Devil's Claw.