CACTUS AND COCHINEAL PRODUCTION: THE LELIEFONTEIN, NORTHERN CAPE EXPERIENCE - Roberta Burgess

ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa

Leliefontein, one of nine villages within the Leliefontein Reserve is characterised by a high level of unemployment.  Most of the inhabitants are dependant on the State for some or other form of support to supplement their income from small livestock farming.  This farming practice is dependant on the natural resources of the veldt for its sustainability.  Due to overstocking and the severe droughts experienced in this area, alternative livelihoods needed to be investigated. The alternate enterprises needed to rely mainly on products that can adapt to the local climatic conditions.  Cactus pear and cochineal production was identified as one such enterprise which could compliment the current farming activities, but also add value to the lives of the community. After the community farmers group, Xhali Farmer’s Association, acquired seed funding from the Industrial Development Trust, approximately three hectares of land was prepared and cactus pear cladodes planted.  After a few months researchers of the ARC Infruitec Nietvoorbij were contacted to assist with the production practises of both cactus and cochineal.  An irrigation system was installed and known plant material was sourced and planted in a section of the plot.  Research was done on the establishment of the plants and cochineal.  This poster shares the experiences of the activities of this project.