Socio-economic impact of lachenalia research in South Africa.

Abstract

This chapter presents the results of a comprehensive impact assessment of the lachenalia R&D programme at Agricultural Research Council-Roodeplaat in South Africa. The lachenalia programme has developed flower bulbs for the international flower market for more than 30 years. The production of bulbs in South Africa will contribute to employment generation. The financial analysis showed that the institute would be able to cover the annual cost of the programme from royalty income, but that it will not recover the total cost of the investment since the beginning of the R&D in 1965. Results of the economic analysis were negative unless increased productivity and market penetration can be realized and the gestation period is reduced.