Started in 1983, Sappi Khulisa is a tree-farming scheme that initially focused on supporting subsistence farmers in South Africa who had access to 1-20 hectares of land on which to grow trees. Initially, only three farmers participated, working on eight hectares—today there are more than 4,000, working more than 27,000 hectares of land.
Sappi Khulisa was established in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa, covering the area from Mangusi near Kosi Bay in the north to Port Edward in the south and inland as far as Ixopo and Nongoma. Since inception, Sappi Khulisa has expanded to the Eastern Cape near the towns of Bizana and Lusikisiki.
Sappi Khulisa started as a tree-farming scheme aimed at subsistence farmers. It is now a successful job creation and entrepreneurship development model aligned with the South African Government’s strategy of promoting forestry as a means of creating sustainable livelihoods in rural areas. Sappi Khulisa forms the foundation of our corporate social responsibility, enterprise development focus.
Sappi Khulisa exemplifies the principles of shared value: small growers build sustainable businesses and a decent income, while Sappi secures a quality fibre supply.
You can watch the Sappi Khulisa video here.
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Learn more about forestry within Sappi Southern Africa here.