Articles
UTILISING FYNBOS FOR JOB CREATION AND INCOME GENERATION
Article number
869_22
Pages
183 – 190
Language
English
Abstract
Fynbos crops as a commercial commodity originated in rural communities.
Wild harvesting from natural stands and local road-sides and/or market selling of flowers have, however, largely been replaced by the local and export marketing of cultivated products.
This subsequent development of the fynbos floriculture market imposed requirements of quality on the product that could not be supported by wild harvesting practices in rural communities.
Initiatives were embarked upon to retain fynbos flowers as a means of rural development that could provide a source of income and create jobs.
This paper reports on projects supported by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), South Africa to address the needs of rural communities in emerging fynbos floriculture production, highlights existing challenges and proposes interventions to ensure the sustainability of community projects.
Wild harvesting from natural stands and local road-sides and/or market selling of flowers have, however, largely been replaced by the local and export marketing of cultivated products.
This subsequent development of the fynbos floriculture market imposed requirements of quality on the product that could not be supported by wild harvesting practices in rural communities.
Initiatives were embarked upon to retain fynbos flowers as a means of rural development that could provide a source of income and create jobs.
This paper reports on projects supported by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), South Africa to address the needs of rural communities in emerging fynbos floriculture production, highlights existing challenges and proposes interventions to ensure the sustainability of community projects.
Publication
Authors
C. Bekaardt, C. Bester
Keywords
Leucadendron, Leucospermum, Protea, rural development, emerging farmers
Online Articles (26)