Region
Matzikama Local Municipality
South Africa
West Coast District Municipality
Western Cape

Sector
Agriculture & Agri-processing

Summary:

Strong international demand for indigenous medicinal plants has led to increasing interest and investment opportunities in the Van Rhynsdorp area on the West Coast, which is abundant in Hoodia Gordonii and aloes.

Contact
Mr Marthinus Boois

Email
mboois@wcdm.co.za

Tel
+27 22 433 8530

The Van Rhynsdorp area is well-known for the presence of Hoodia Gordonii and aloes growing naturally in the region, which makes it an attractive prospect for investors interested in the lucrative indigenous produce market. The municipality has requested R315 000 from the district, and calls for additional investment to further increase the production capacity of the project, to develop an Indigenous and Medicinal Plants Cultivation Project for the Van Rhynsdorp Small-scale Farmers Association.

Background
The hoodia industry is established in the area with various cultivation projects and grow-out units already in existence on the farms in the region. The Kokerboom Nursery in Van Rhynsdorp is currently the largest single nursery in South Africa cultivating and producing indigenous and succulent plant material for the last 30 years. In conjunction with the nursery, the Van Rhynsdorp Small-Scale Farmers Association was formed to roll out an indigenous and medicinal plant materials project to boost job creation in the municipality and build the local economy and the part played in it by the local communities.

Project site location
There are two sites available for the project, at Raskraal Farm (800 hectares with two boreholes) and a municipal commonage already acquired from the Matzikama Municipality to establish three hectares for lucerne farming and 14 hectares for grazing.

Potential benefit
The Kokerboom Nursery has been in business for 30 years already and has invaluable experience in the industry that can be passed on to emerging farmers through skills transfer and business partnerships. Job creation and the opportunity to develop personal income and wealth through a growing economy are also potential benefits of the establishment of such a project in the region.

For more information on the West Coast District Municipality and the opportunities available please contact Mr Marthinus Boois by email on mboois@wcdm.co.za or by tel: +27 22 433 8530.