ABioSA phase II ran from November 2021 to December 2024. After a competitive selection process the project supported sector associations representing five plant species and value chains, and their implementation of sector development plans (SDP) for:
- Baobab (Adansonia digitata)
- Marula (Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra)
- Buchu (Agathosma spp.)
- Honeybush(Cyclopia)
- Sceletium Tortuosum
The species were selected on criteria including traditional and indigenous knowledge, ecological sustainability, market demand, potential for value-adding and job creation, and opportunities for participation of small and medium enterprises (SMME) and local communities.
The key areas addressed in the sector development plans are:
- Sector management, governance and M&E
- Legislation & compliance
- Conservation and sustainable use
- Market access and generic marketing
- R&D and innovation
- Quality, registrations and competitiveness
Business support organisations such as the SA Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and b-TAF acted as innovation multipliers, strengthening compliance systems, scientific credibility and data platforms. This enabled fragmented and disconnected structures to develop into a credible, compliant, and evidence-based sector.
During its second phase ABioSA continued to develop its systemic competitive approach to a resilient gender-responsive and ABS-compliant southern African biotrade.
27 SMMEs were financially and technically supported with compliance, quality, product development & market access. ABioSA supported SMME innovation and growth, community inclusion and sector-wide initiatives for SMMEs and communities.
The project facilitated a series of stakeholder dialogues between industry partners, and between industry, government and traditional knowledge holders. Industry engagement with traditional knowledge holders outside of negotiations enabled better understanding of each other’s challenges and priorities.