Kenya needs policies to enhance bamboo cultivation

NAIROBI: The Government has been challenged to come up with policies that will enable Kenyans to embrace bamboo cultivation.

Speaking during a climate change conference hosted by Global Bamboo Network, stakeholders accused the government of trashing recommendations and reports prepared by experts on bamboo cultivation in the country.

Bamboo has come to the forefront in the global warming debate because of its ability to absorb large amount of carbon.

James Mwamodenyi a Senior Assistant Director Biodiversity Management at the Kenya Forest Services said many years since the United Nation recommended cultivation of Bamboo grass, the country has taken no step encourage farmers to embrace bamboo farming.

"Many farmers get discouraged when they hear maturity will takes up to 6 years because they are not properly informed, we as stakeholders have prepared numerous reports on how the government should introduce the cultivation to farmers but they are just gathering dusts on the shelves" said Mwamodenyi.

He said the fast growing giant bamboo could be the solution to Africa's environmental and economic woes.

Mwamodenyi said The Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) has done lot of research on bamboo which was yet to benefit Kenyans and the forestry sector.

It has numerous uses including building, making furniture, water purification and as a nutritious vegetable.

"This new venture can revolutionize the environmental conservation and benefits from traditional subsistence and commercial agriculture in the developing countries" said Mwamodenyi.

Vincent Kitio of the United Nations Habitat said the government should come up with ways of promoting bamboo farming by making seeds available to farmers.

"Kenya lacks the linkage between different stakeholders like the researchers and entrepreneurs.

During the conference dubbed go "Greener with Bamboo" the Global Bamboo Network Director Benson Nyamwea said they have launched a national wide programme to promote use of bamboos as a new material for everyday products.

The initial phase started with a pilot project in Narok County.

"The implementation of this Bamboo Pilot Project by Global Bamboo Network is fulfilling the late Wangari Mathai's dream to support green initiatives that ensures efficient use of natural resource for sustainable development and creation of job opportunities among the young people" said Nyamwea.