Expand Production and Processing of Agriculture Products, Agri-Park Development – Logistical and Processing Initiatives

The greater Oudtshoorn area is nestled at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains in the little Karoo region. It is described as a semi-desert area with a unique and sensitive natural environment.

The Oudtshoorn municipality’s development strategy recognises the impact of being home to the world’s largest ostrich population, which is a key component of their agricultural industry. Oudtshoorn is a centre of regional cultural, sport and art activities, as well as agriculture and tourism – including the Cango Caves, a popular tourist attraction since the 1800s.

Oudtshoorn’s relatively higher development potential is directly linked to its geographic location on main transport routes, natural resource base, human resources, institutional centre function, and commercial services. Oudtshoorn was identified recently as one of the 14 important ‘leader towns’ in the Western Cape province. The construction sector in Oudtshoorn showed above-average growth over the period 2011 to 2015. This is mainly attributed to the Riemvasmaak/Rosevalley housing development.

The current Oudtshoorn Agri-Park with farmers production support units located in Dysselsdorp and Haarlem is aimed at supporting smallholder farmers through the provision of capacity-building, mentorship, farm infrastructure, extension services, production inputs and mechanisation inputs. Expansion of services and products into areas, such as seed production, tobacco, olives as well as production of craft beers and gins, essential oils and food festivals will encourage investment as well as tourism for the area. The establishment of nutrition centres also poses an investment opportunity.