043 703 6300

FORESTRY
DEVELOPMENT

FORESTRY
DEVELOPMENT

WHAT IS ON OFFER?

The ECRDA has established five community-owned and operated forestry projects aimed at driving sustainable and commercially-viable forestry plantations.

The Eastern Cape as the only province with the potential for forestry expansion. The areas with the most potential for further development are the Alfred Nzo and OR Tambo district municipalities and to a lesser extent, the Joe Gqabi and Amathole districts. There is a potential for 100 000 hectares of new afforestation and a further 130 000 hectares for the rehabilitation of existing plantation areas.

Potential afforestation

100,000 hectares

Potential rehabilitation

130,000 hectares

The forestry development programme involves various value addition and beneficiation activities which result in the manufacturing of products such as sawn timber, pulp, paper, poles, mining timber, matches, charcoal and cellulose-based products. Specific species of trees are planted, harvested, and replanted in sustainable rotation. This ensures that there are trees at various stages of growth and maturity, ready to harvest for generations to come.

WHAT HAVE WE DONE?

The ECRDA currently supports five forestry projects in the province which have 4,360 hectares under production. The trees planted in these areas are site specific eucalyptus species such as E.dunnii, E. nitens, E. macathurii seedlings and Grandis/Europhyla hybrid cloned cuttings. At this stage, the projects only sell timber to commercial markets. Sappi and PG Bison are the main customers of these forestry projects. A portion of timber produced by these communities can be sold to the highest bidder.

Sinawo (Joe Gqabi District)

1,850ha planted
3,000ha potential

Izinini (Joe Gqabi District)

550ha planted
850ha potential

Mkambathi (OR Tambo District)

850ha planted
1,950ha potential

Sixhotyeni (OR Tambo District)

410ha planted
1,250ha potential

Gqukunqa (Alfred Nzo District)

410ha planted
1,250ha potential

GET IN TOUCH WITH US

Get in touch with us if you would like to participate in this programme or if you are looking to explore possible collaboration and investment opportunities for these projects.

Head Office

3-33 Phillip Frame Road,
Waverley Office Park,
2nd Floor, Chiselhurst,
East London, 5201

Head Office

3-33 Phillip Frame Road,
Waverley Office Park,
2nd Floor, Chiselhurst,
East London, 5201

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About Us

Vision and mission of the ECRDA

Guiding Principles

The values that underpin the
vision and mission of ECRDA

Mandates

ECRDA’s policy and legislative mandates

Organisational Structure

The leadership structure of
the ECRDA

Board of Directors

Board charged with guiding the ECRDA’s overall plans

Executives

The leadership team that ensure execution of the boards plans

Grain, fodder and vegetable (food) crops

Grain, fodder, and vegetable crop production is a catalytic intervention that transforms underutilised rural land into commercially viable agricultural production hubs.

Horticulture development, forestry and timber processing

The forestry, timber processing, and horticulture intervention expands commercial production in these sectors while deliberately integrating small-scale producers and millers into the mainstream economy.

Livestock commercialisation

The livestock commercialisation initiative transforms the Eastern Cape’s substantial livestock resources into sustainable, competitive, and export-oriented commercial

Agri-clusters and rural enterprise development hubs

Rural enterprise development hubs are strategically designed geographic interventions that target specific rural areas to create economically viable clusters anchored on local commodities and comparative advantages.

Technology Mainstreaming for Field Crops and Animal Fibre

This strategic initiative identifies and develops fibre-based opportunities derived from both crop and animal resources within the province.

Structured Finance Services

Finance that stimulates vibrant economic activity.