Sturdy plant with huge potential |
But
this hearty, fast-growing plant has become an economic stronghold in
parts of the world, with an estimated global economy valued at $60
billion a year, according to the International Network of Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR), an intergovernmental organization promoting bamboo and rattan.
"The (African) continent
has vast reserves of largely untapped bamboo that, if properly managed,
could benefit rural communities and promote green economic
development," said Friederich.
Sturdy plant with huge potential
Bamboo can grow up to almost one meter a day. Not only can it rapidly regenerate, but it has the advantage of being incredibly versatile.
The
robust plant is used to make everything from watches, bikes,
scaffolding, chopsticks, flooring, furniture, building and roofing
materials, paper and textiles among other items.
"You
can really plant bamboo in soil not useful for something else," said
Friederich, explaining the plants potential in Africa. "To plant bamboo
on unproductive land and eroded soil is very feasible," he said.
What's
more, says Friederich, is that bamboo is a resource that's truly
sustainable. He believes it can help not only help boost the economy but
also provide an environmentally sound way to alleviate many challenges
in some African countries.
"Bamboo
can be harnessed to reverse land degradation, slow deforestation,
combat climate change through carbon sequestration, and boost rural
livelihoods through the creation of jobs and income," added Friederich.
It's
a plant which doesn't require any chemicals -- fertilizers or
pesticides -- as it's largely immune to disease and pests. The United
Nations Environment Programme and other UN bodies all realize the
potential for livelihood from the plant, said Friederich.
18
African countries have joined INBAR, including Benin, Burundi,
Cameroon, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Liberia, Kenya, Malawi, Madagascar,
Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Togo, and
Uganda.
Ethiopia is Africa's leader
Of the 18 African countries, Ethiopia is by far the leader in
terms of bamboo. Two-thirds of the bamboo in Africa is situated in the
upwardly-mobile state where the industry has grown from making
toothpicks to flooring and curtains.
In
the past few years, the bamboo bicycle market has proven popular in
Ghana and been an example of a great use of sustainable bamboo.
Bernice Dapaah started the Ghana Bamboo Bikes Initiative a
few years ago. Her company was lauded by the United Nations and in 2013
she won an award from the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change, which put her under the spotlight and sent more business
her way.
Though the potential is
massive, the benefits of bamboo as a strategic resource for Africa
remain largely "unrecognized and undervalued", says Friederich.
"Practical policies at the local, national and regional level are needed
for African countries to fully realize its potential," he said.
Once that's sorted, Friederich agrees there is no stopping the growth of bamboo.
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