Thes-economic impact of the phasing out of plantations in the Western and Southern Cape regions of South Africa : a case study of three plantations.

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study sought to determine the possible socio-economic impacts of the phasing out of nearly22 500 ha of plantations within the Southern and Western Cape regions of South Africa as a result ofa decision made by Government in September 2000. None of the previous studies undertakenfocussed on the socio-economic impacts within the specific regions and plantations, but were basedon wider environmental and economic considerations.Data was collected in 2007 from three plantations managed by Mountain to Ocean Forestry (MTO)(PTY) LTD: one located in Grabouw (Western Cape) and two in George (Southern Cape), amongthree different plantation stakeholder groups. These three groups were: (i) Forest DependentCommunities, (ii) Stakeholders among the forestry value chain and (iii) Indirect stakeholders. Withinthe first group, a total of 70 persons representing households were interviewed. A total of 26 primaryand secondary processing company respondents were interviewed. Information on all of the indirectstakeholder groups was gathered, either through interviews with the stakeholders or from datareceived from MTO.This study indicated that there are significant differences between the potential impacts within theSouthern Cape and Western Cape regions. The data collected showed that among communitieswithin the Western Cape, the dependency on the plantations in terms of employment, income andfuelwood is low. This is in stark contrast to the communities within the Southern Cape, who aredependent on the plantations for their employment and income, and as a result will be affected greatlyby the phasing out process. Company respondents in the Western Cape were less concerned thantheir Southern Cape counterparts about the future decrease in timber supply and indicated that theywill source timber from elsewhere, whereas companies within the Southern Cape indicated that theywould likely have to shut down. The dependency of indirect stakeholders on the plantations to bephased out, and the resulting impact was found to be minimal.The study concluded with an evaluation of an existing nine step plan for the implementation of socialand economic actions within natural resource planning. Three main aspects were identified that needto be addressed namely: (i) To increase public awareness and participation among communities andcompanies to be impacted on by the phasing out process, (ii) Provide necessary training and thusincreased skills level of workers who face unemployment; and (iii) The identification of alternativeemployment opportunities for the unemployed affected by the phasing out process.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University