The Government of South Africa's (GSA) policy position on the future direction of the forestry sector is clearly articulated within the White Paper, which is based upon Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) principles. This document calls for radical changes in the approach to forestry with a new emphasis on participation, intersectoral collaboration and promoting the role of forestry in rural development. The White Paper specifically calls for equitable access to natural resources and a participatory decision making process around environmental issues which empowers communities to manage their natural resources. The Paper recommends special attention to the education components of the rural development strategy of the RDP and the revision of curricula at tertiary educational institutions involved in forestry.

This three-year Project will provide two long term personnel,; a Team Leader/Lecturer attached to Stellenbosch University to help prepare a new forestry degree curriculum and teach undergraduates; assist in the improvement of the Fort Cox College social forestry diploma curriculum; raise the awareness of Stellenbosch and Fort Cox staff about Rural Development Forestry (RDF) issues and international experience and increase their capacity to teach this subject, through a programme of exchange visits with UK institutions; and an Extension Specialist to help develop and implement a community outreach programme at Fort Cox College and to support curriculum and staff development.

The project is justified by its contribution to implementation of the extensive policy and institutional reforms identified as necessary to ensure the sustainable economic, social and environmental benefits from tree and forest environments, for the benefit of all South Africans. RDF education and training will emphasise the role of women in natural resources management and the project will promote the enrolment and education and training of women in RDF.