Bamboo Resource Development
Capacity Development and Innovation
Bamboo once know as a poor man’s timber but of late is now becoming very fashionable especially in Europe, North America, Asia and other parts of the world. In 2005 the World Customer Organization approved proposal by International Bamboo and Rattan Organisation (INBAR) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)of the United Nations to introduce 16 new Harmonized System Codes, including bamboo pulp, panel, furniture and shoots. The codes took effect in 2007.
Green growth provide a practical and flexible measurable progress across its economic and environmental pillars, while taking full account of social consequences of greening the growth dynamics of economies. Green growth aims to achieve the following; enhancing productivity, boosting investor’s confidence, opening up new markets, contributing to fiscal consolidation, and reducing risks of negative shock to growth. The outcome for The Rio+20 (the future we want) conference in Brazil 2012 and the Sustainable Development Goals can be achieved through proper policy on management of bamboo.With support from International Bamboo and Rattan Organisation under the Dutch-Sino- East Africa Bamboo Development Programme, we work with communities to promote bamboo farming as a cash-crop across the County and beyond. We also provide different training skills from propagation, product making, planting, sustainable harvesting, management and mapping.
Busia cluster has become a centre of bamboo growing in Kenya. More than 1500 households are engaged in different bamboo business majority at farming level. The remaining are involved in activities such as seedling production, Culm/pole, charcoal-briquettes, furniture, handicraft, weaving, folder, Bamboo shoots and tea , from these activities they have improved their livelihoods and steady income streaming.
Increased bamboo farming and related activities are indicators of industrial development of bamboo. It means there are greater opportunities to harness the market potential by establishing of proper supply chains and ensuring standards to compete the global market.
