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Opportunities and Challenges in the Ethiopian Bamboo Sector: A Market Analysis of the Bamboo-Based Value Web

Author

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  • Jessie Lin

    (Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, University of Goettingen, 37073 Goettingen, Germany)

  • Saurabh Gupta

    (Centre for Development Policy and Management, Indian Institute of Management, Udaipur 313001, India)

  • Tim K. Loos

    (Food Security Center, University of Hohenheim, Wollgrasweg 43, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
    Institute of Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics (Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute), University of Hohenheim, Wollgrasweg 43, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Regina Birner

    (Institute of Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics (Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute), University of Hohenheim, Wollgrasweg 43, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany)

Abstract

Bamboo is one of the more important natural resources in Ethiopia and contributes to the bioeconomy as a potential source for high-value products. While the country is the largest producer of bamboo in Africa, the existing utilization of the bamboo sector in Ethiopia remains under-developed, with little value addition. This study identifies the current market challenges and opportunities for future developments of the northern Ethiopian bamboo sector, with a focus on the Injibara township. This research adopts the “value web” approach to assess the potentials of different product lines that create the bamboo biomass value web. We utilize qualitative data collection methods, in particular, semi-structured interviews and informal focus group discussions with key stakeholders. Our findings suggest that bamboo farmers in Injibara are constrained by a lack of local demand and market for bamboo products with high-value addition, leading to an absence of product diversification and innovation. Furthermore, there is an overreliance on foreign technology and methods that are poorly matched for local needs. We recommend that policymakers invest in targeted and effective training strategies on bamboo cultivation and processing. Furthermore, farmers can benefit from decreasing their reliance on middle men with cooperatives or contract arrangements.

Suggested Citation

  • Jessie Lin & Saurabh Gupta & Tim K. Loos & Regina Birner, 2019. "Opportunities and Challenges in the Ethiopian Bamboo Sector: A Market Analysis of the Bamboo-Based Value Web," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-14, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:6:p:1644-:d:215058
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mark W. Rosegrant & Claudia Ringler & Tingju Zhu & Simla Tokgoz & Prapti Bhandary, 2013. "Water and food in the bioeconomy: challenges and opportunities for development," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 44(s1), pages 139-150, November.
    2. Kes McCormick & Niina Kautto, 2013. "The Bioeconomy in Europe: An Overview," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 5(6), pages 1-20, June.
    3. Tim K. Loos & Marlene Hoppe & Beloved M. Dzomeku & Lilli Scheiterle, 2018. "The Potential of Plantain Residues for the Ghanaian Bioeconomy—Assessing the Current Fiber Value Web," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-18, December.
    4. Johan Swinnen & Olivia Riera, 2013. "The global bio-economy," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 44(s1), pages 1-5, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. John-Baptist S. N. Naah, 2020. "Community-Level Analysis of Value Webs of Biomass-Based Resources: A Case Study among Local Actors in Ghana," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-15, February.
    2. Carl C. Anderson & Manfred Denich & Kai Neumann & Kwadwo Amankwah & Charles Tortoe, 2019. "Identifying Biomass-Based Value Webs for Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systems Modeling Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-20, May.
    3. Huma Neupane & Krishna P. Paudel & Mandeep Adhikari & Qinying He, 2022. "Impact of cooperative membership on production efficiency of smallholder goat farmers in Nepal," Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 93(2), pages 337-356, June.
    4. Shiferaw Abebe & Amare Sewnet Minale & Demel Teketay, 2022. "Socio-economic importance of the bamboo resources in the Lower Beles River Basin, north-western Ethiopia," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 24(10), pages 12162-12181, October.
    5. Haroon Bhorat & Francois Steenkamp & Caitlin Allen & Robert Hill & Christopher Rooney, 2019. "Building Economic Complexity in the South African Fibrous Plant Economy," Working Papers copwp201904, University of Cape Town, Development Policy Research Unit.

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