Increasing the rural livelihood benefits from natural plant froduct ventures in Southern Africa : case studies and business models
Date
2010-10
Authors
Ham, Cori
Diederichs, Nicci
Jacobson, Michael
Falcao, Mario
Howard, Mike
Mander, Myles
Manjoro, Alfandika
Dube, Teddy
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
CPWild
Abstract
Natural plant processing enterprises provide an opportunity for rural development in southern
Africa. Rural people can assist such enterprises in raw material procurement, processing
activities and also as business partners. These enterprises serve as a link between the rural
poor and affluent consumers looking for new and exciting natural products. Natural product
enterprises function in a complex business environment and often fail due to various reasons
such as poor management and marketing.
This project investigated seven natural product enterprises as case studies between 2007
and 2008. The information gathered during the study was used to understand the
complexities of the natural product business environment better. From the study it was
possible to develop a southern African natural products enterprise model, as well as advise
on the management of such enterprises.
Some of the aspects highlighted in this study are: The very important role of a strong
entrepreneur in making business work; the importance of flexible supply and demand
relationships between natural product enterprises and communities; the role of product
certification in accessing niche product markets and the need for training related to
management and marketing of such enterprises.
Description
Report submitted to The Ford foundation by CPWild, Stellenbosch university in collaboration with The school of forest resources, Pennsylvanis State University, Eduardo Mondlane University, Catholic University of Beira, FutureWorks and Fractal forest Africa
Keywords
Business models, Natural plant product ventures -- Africa, Southern, Rural livelihood -- Africa, Southern, Community forestry -- Africa, Southern, Agroforestry -- Africa, Southern, Rural development -- Africa, Southern
Citation
Ham, C. et al. 2010. Increasing the rural livelihood benefits from natural plant product ventures in Southern Africa: case studies and business models. Stellenbosch : CPWild.