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ReturnSouth Africa : Wild silk turns into profitable venture
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admin
PublishDate：
2006-02-07 16:38:00
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Kalahari Wild Silk Company, in Leonardville, processing wild silk was started in order to counter problems caused to farmers by 'gonometa postica' cocoons.
Ian Cumming suggested to Centre for Research Information and Action in Africa (CRIAA) to find means to develop a wild silk industry which can provide jobs and at the same time come up with a permanent solution to the farmers misery.
Research on this project went on for about three years. Fund for this project was advanced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry and Oxfam (Canada).
Wild silk fabric is dyed and hand-woven into fabric at a workshop in Klein Windhoek to make scarfs, shawls and throws.
The Kalahari Wild Silk Company will also very soon launch duvets made from wild silk.
These products are sold at Elephant Crossing, Designer Gallery Takamaka, National Art Gallery, Anin, Palmwag and Leading Lodges.
The factory employs at present, eight weavers and 10 spinners.
Kalahari Company plans to enter the US, Britain, South African, Spain, Canada, and Australian markets.
