High in the rugged mountains of the Cederberg, where Cape leopards roam and ancient cedar trees once stood tall, a quiet but powerful movement is taking shape. Rooibos farmers, long known for cultivating South Africa’s iconic herbal tea, are now leading efforts to restore the land’s unique biodiversity. In partnership with conservation groups and community organisations, these farmers are proving that agriculture and nature conservation can go hand in hand — with benefits for both the environment and their livelihoods.
Protecting the Cape Leopard and Other Wildlife
The Cape leopard, one of the region’s most elusive and endangered predators, has suffered from habitat loss as farming and human development have expanded. Yet, many Rooibos farmers are working closely with conservation organisations like the Cape Leopard Trust to create safe spaces for these majestic cats. By setting aside portions of their farms as conservation areas and maintaining natural prey populations, farmers are helping to ensure that leopards continue to roam the Cederberg mountains. These efforts not only protect an iconic species but also help to maintain the balance of the broader ecosystem.
Bringing Back the Clanwilliam Cedar
Another symbol of the region’s unique biodiversity, the Clanwilliam Cedar (Widdringtonia cederbergensis), is making a comeback thanks to Rooibos farmers’ commitment to restoration. Once abundant, these ancient trees have been pushed to the brink of extinction by overexploitation and climate change, with their population declining by nearly 90%. In response, farmers are working with initiatives like Sustainable Cedar and CapeNature to replant thousands of young cedars in the wild. Through these reforestation efforts, farmers are helping to restore the delicate fynbos ecosystem that supports countless other plant and animal species.
Farming with Nature in Mind
Beyond wildlife protection and tree planting, many Rooibos farmers are adopting sustainable farming methods that benefit both their crops and the environment. Techniques such as crop rotation, organic practices, and maintaining biodiversity corridors reduce the need for chemical inputs and promote soil health. By avoiding monoculture farming and preserving indigenous plants alongside their tea crops, these farmers are building resilience against pests, drought, and other challenges. According to Marthane Swart of the Rooibos Council, farmers are seeing long-term benefits from these practices, including improved yields and healthier ecosystems.
A Model for Sustainable Agriculture
The Rooibos industry’s efforts align with global initiatives like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which calls on all nations and industries to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. Through certifications like Rainforest Alliance and participation in the Union for Ethical Biotrade, Rooibos farmers are demonstrating how agriculture can actively contribute to conservation goals.
As the world faces growing environmental challenges, the Rooibos farmers of the Cederberg are offering a hopeful example: when farmers work with nature, they can help heal the land — and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.