WILD SILK
International demand for silk outstrips world production by some 12%. Outbreaks of cocoons of the wild silk moth Gonometa postica have for many years posed a serious problem to commercial and rural stock-farmers in the south east of Namibia. Many animals have died from the ingestion of cocoons. Research has found a safe and eco-friendly method of dealing with local outbreaks by controlled harvesting of cocoons for silk production. The establishment of a Wild Silk Industry in Namibia addresses this problem in an economically and environmentally sustainable manner.

Controlled harvesting and processing of cocoons in Namibia is aimed at :
· The alleviation of livestock and wildlife losses.
· Improved rural livelihoods through job creation and income generation.
· The utilisation of a naturally occuring, renewable resource.
· The maximisation of value addition through local processing of wild silk.

. The main current activities are :
* Information dissemination
* Setting up cocoon collection and monitoring mechanisms
* Financial assessment
* Designing of a degumming plant and establishment of a hand spinning & weaving facility