The Sand People: From Ancient Knowledge to Exploitation

The San people, one of the world's oldest cultures, have lived in the Kalahari Desert for thousands of years. They possess extensive knowledge of local plants, including the Hoodia plant, which they use to stave off hunger. This plant has attracted the attention of the pharmaceutical industry, leading to the development of P57, an appetite suppressant. Despite their contribution, the San were initially excluded from the profits. An agreement now exists, but their share remains small. Pfizer has invested heavily in Hoodia research, hoping to capitalize on its potential. The San's traditional knowledge has been commercialized, yet they face challenges such as unemployment and lack of social services. The royalties from Hoodia sales are minimal, and the San are restricted from using their knowledge for other commercial purposes.

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