South African indigenous and medicinal plants have proved popular in international markets, as more people choose to opt for natural and organic produce in their health and lifestyle products. Personal health and beauty is one of the fastest growing sub-sectors internationally, and demand runs high for these products' preferred ingredients, many of which are flourishing in the Cape west coast.
Buchu cultivation
The Graafwater region in the Cederberg has been identified as ideally-suited for the cultivation of buchu. An Organic Buchu Cultivation Project has been proposed, and land has been made available, to take advantage of the ideal geographic location and the rising international demand for organically grown indigenous products from South Africa. The project requires funding of at least R300 000 to make a sustainable start. The high-value Betulina variety of buchu has been
successfully cultivated in the Graafwater region, and similar projects have been planned for elsewhere in the region.
South Africa's rooibos tea has blossomed into an internationally recognised brand, and the product is still drawing demand from several international markets. The West Coast District is particularly well-suited to rooibos tea plantations, especially in the Cederberg region, but elsewhere in the district as well. The region is renowned tea-farming country. with established infrastructure and logistics facilities available to prospective investors.
Rooibos tea
Hoodia Gordonii and aloe
The West Coast District is well-known for its hoodia gordonii and aloes growing naturally in the region. The natural proliferation of these fashionable plants illustrates the perfect conditions for growth and suggests commercial operations in either to be viable economic endeavours. That both plants and plant by-products are currently in high-demand internationally and locally, only serves to strengthen the case. The District is developing an Indigenous and Medicinal Plants Cultivation Project for the Van Rhynsdorp region, and requires R315 000 in investment funding to ensure production capacity is met and sustained.
Potential benefit
These ventures give previously subsistence farmers the chance to engage in the commercial production of high-value and high-demand niche products. The
organic market is huge, both in South Africa and on an international level, and this provides these small communities with the opportunity to export their products overseas. On a more local level however, the real benefit of the project is in job creation within the surrounding communities and in growing the local economy to support the people of the region.
These indigenous products have shown a liking for the West Coast region. If you think you might share their view, see below for more information on the various local municipalities in the WCDM.
Bergrivier ∙ Cederberg ∙ Matzikama ∙ Saldanha Bay ∙ Swartland
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.
