Commercial harvesting of Pelargonium sidoides in the Eastern Cape, South Africa: Striking a balance between resource conservation and rural livelihoods

Pelargonium sidoides is used locally in the Eastern Cape for the treatment of several cold related ailments in man and livestock. There has been a great increase in demand for the plant for both local uses and international pharmaceutical producers, therefore the number of the collectors and its rate of harvesting have increased in recent years. The socioeconomic influence of the commercial exploitation of the herb was assessed by means of RRA. The rate of harvesting is intense and appears to exceed its potential for natural regeneration. The socioeconomic implication of uncontrolled harvesting of P. sidoides as a medicinal plant is discussed.