Bamboo Commercialization

Bamboo project description Bamboo is a fast-growing woody grass that has been gazetted as a crop. Bamboo species grows naturally on the mountains and highland ranges of Eastern African countries, and in the medium lowlands of other countries of Africa. Bamboo plays a vital role in the protection of the soil and water resources in forested catchment areas. Bamboo has been and continues to be a material of choice for traditional crafts throughout Africa. It is also important for construction, fencing, basketry and many other uses. These myriad uses of bamboo makes a significant contribution to rural income and employment. To enhance climate resilience, environmental conservation and promotion of livelihoods, ENSDA is raising bamboo seedlings for the establishment of bamboo plantations in its area of jurisdiction. This will lead to the protection of the soils as well as increasing the vegetation cover in the catchments area. The plantations will also increase the carbon sinks, mitigating the effect of climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The project is located in Kisiriri, Narok County which borders Mau forest The project will provide the following market / value chain linkages. • Youths and women - are expected to benefit from the sale of bamboo seedlings, bamboo poles, and bamboo products. • The project will create over 300 direct and over 1,200 indirect jobs after 3yrs of plantation establishment. The project is expected to raise awareness on bamboo value chain to enable local communities maximise on benefit of bamboo. The project’s success is pegged on the following initiatives by the institution; • 200 community groups have been trained • 10 Bamboo Nurseries established • 12,000 Ha of land has been secured • 5 youth SMEs along the Bamboo value chain have been supported

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