Forestry Stewardship Council in relation to market accessibility by small scale timber growers : a case in KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

This paper provides an assessment of the Forestry Stewardship Council in relation to market accessibility by the small scale timber farming in the KwaZibi Area. The market has shown an inclination to buy timber from small scale timber growers, provided they meet the minimum standards of Forestry Stewardship Council certification. However, these growers face a challenge in terms of compliance. The small scale timber growers find themselves being excluded from the forestry stewardship council certification due to certain barriers. A qualitative research method was employed in order to gain a deeper understanding of the problem. The population included small scale growers, forestry development practitioners, buyers and forestry stewardship council consultants. Data were collected from 12 respondents using a purposive sampling technique and analysed using thematic analysis. The study recommends that the forestry industry should look at forming a body that will assist the small scale timber growers with regards to price determination and certification-related issues.