Forest Products, Livelihoods and Conservation

Sheona E. Shackleton and Charlie M. Shackleton 223

more likely to benefit from the Kruger Gate development, which is still in its

early stages. The facilitation of the two sales outlets appears to be the main

strength of the alliance, whereas its performance as an association of

craftspeople is questionable. One stakeholder declared ‘the Skukuza Alliance

does not function, [but serves] only as convenience to get money in from the

outside’ (L. Yeatman personal communication). Certainly, Bushbuckridge

carvers had reservations about its ability to benefit producers.

Observations and discussions during the September 2000 revisit to the area

suggest that the business skills and product development workshops (see Table

6) had little impact. Carvers are still producing the same product range, and

the same difficulties were experienced obtaining data on income, costs and

pricing strategies, indicating that few of the producers are operating according

to business principles. Indeed it was surprising how little had changed

considering that South Africa has undergone major political and institutional

transitions in the last eight years. Home producers have been observed as a

‘difficult group to work with’, being reluctant to participate in collective

initiatives and resistant to change. Most demonstrate a tendency to stick to

proven, low risk products (Steenkamp 1999b), although it should be recognised

that it is by no means easy for producers operating on a hand-to-mouth basis

to carry the costs associated with experimentation.

SOME CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT IMPLICATIONS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS

This case study has demonstrated that the woodcraft industry is a sector with

potential for development and for providing rural communities with a viable

source of income. Growth in the industry is evident, and all stakeholders expect

it to grow further. Much needs to be done, however, to ensure that this happens

in a positive and sustainable manner. Of particular concern should be

management of the inevitable tensions between developing the trade and

minimising environmental and biodiversity impacts.

Development of the industry

The broader woodcraft industry in South Africa, as mentioned previously, is

complex, and local producers are competing directly with African imports and

formal sector factory goods (Steenkamp 1999b). Both these competitors tend

to be high volume, wholesale specialists, whereas local craftsmen fit into a

low volume, direct sales category and thus are unable to compete successfully

in the wholesale or export market. Some development specialists feel that

unless local producers find the means to enter this market (see Kenya case

study), they will continue to be marginalised, invisible to formalised business

and commerce, under threat by more organised sectors of the industry and

vulnerable to exploitation and the day-to-day uncertainties of a subsistence

existence—especially since the local niche market appears to be already

saturated (Steenkamp 1999b). A number of external agencies believe that

local carvers could compete more successfully in the wider market if they

were to focus on a range of small, specialised products following the Mexican

12SAwoodcarving.p65 223 22/12/2004, 11:05