Fairly traded and sustainably harvested natural products offer
a significant opportunity to improve the livelihoods of poor
rural communities living with access to natural resources.This is
particularly the case with indigenous natural products that are
ecologically and culturally adapted to local conditions.Research
suggests that benefits from the natural products sector are
carried-up through the supply chain (to buyers,processors,and
exporters)and encourage the sustainable management of the
natural environment.
It is clear that the global natural products industry is large and
growing,and that there is strong market interest in new products
from Africa.Thus,it is an opportune time to develop the natural
products industry in Southern Africa.To do this,the World
Conservation Union (IUCN)in South Africa,in partnership with
PhytoTrade Africa,has initiated the Natural Futures Programme in
Southern Africa.
Despite Southern Africa ’s natural competitive advantage in
natural products,this sector remains greatly underdeveloped.
IUCN ’s Natural Futures Programme aims to strengthen existing
initiatives and address barriers in the market by making systemic
interventions that assist the development of a pro-poor Southern
African natural products sector.
Natural products can be broadly defined to include all products
from biological resources,be they animal,indigenous,alien or
cultivated.At a policy level,this Programme supports natural
products that fall within this broader definition.However specific
interventions are focussed on promoting certain natural products
that fit within a narrower definition because of their ability to bring
benefits to poor communities and the environment.This includes
only indigenous (non-animal)resources that are wild-harvested
and owned by rural people including:natural pharmaceutical
products and ingredients (including herbal medicines and
remedies);natural cosmetic products and ingredients;and natural
functional food products and ingredients.In its first phase,the
Natural Futures Programme has targeted the lipid oil sub-sector
for improved development and learning.
Economic benefits Social benefits Environmental benefits
