The potential for increasing local employment and land owners’ income from wild harvested natural resources through sustainable farming practices

Abstract

The Agulhas Plain contributes largely to the commercial indigenous cut flower industry of South Africa. The Plain is rich in biodiversity and harbours many endemic species, some of which are threatened with extinction due to over-exploitation. Commercial plantations have increased but many species of Proteaceae continue to be harvested from the natural habitat. A lack of training seems to exist in wild harvesting techniques as landowners are mostly self trained with low formal education. Training of landowners and seasonal workers in sustainable farming practices in cultivation and harvesting could assist in increasing awareness, rehabilitation and conservation of this sensitive habitat, which could then provide further income opportunities.