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Policy Gaps: Current Status of Bamboo in Kenyan Forestry Laws

Paul Ongugo and Mathenge GitongaKenya Forestry Research Institute

and Kenya Forest Service

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Status of Bamboo Management Cover 150,000 ha - pure stands, others mixed with

trees and shrubsApproximately 10,000 ha planted on farmsMainly indigenous -Yushania alpina found in montane

forestsExotic species from many provenances have been tried

in various sites forming the majority of planted bambooEven though bamboo has over 100 uses, in Kenya, it is

used mainly for fencing, house construction and scaffolding, water harvesting, production of matchsticks, toothpicks, fancy handicrafts & in supporting horticultural crops

Proper management can contribute tremendously towards employment creation in rural areas, improve livelihoods and carbon sequestration

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Processing, Utilization and MarketingUtilization is mainly within the domestic sector particularly

in highlands where the resources are abundantUsed for fencing, house construction, and other small scale

cottage industriesThe flower farmers also use bamboo for support There is limited documentation of the scope of utilizationCurrently, market demand for bamboo is higher than

supply The situation is exacerbated by the Presidential

moratorium on bamboo harvestingMarketing is controlled by KFS which charging royalties

bamboo culms harvested from public forestsRoyalty is low and this discourages farmers from selling

their produce

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Policy and LegislationPolicy on development, management and utilization of

forest resources does not adequately address specific needs of the subsector

Forest Policy 2005 mainly recognizes and gives detailed guidelines and regulations on development and utilization of indigenous forests and trees, farm forests, dryland forests and plantation forests and trees

Bamboo resource is not directly mentioned, but categorized as a non-wood forest produce which the policy does not give prominence

However the KFS strategic plan specifically recognizes bamboo in enterprise development & environmental conservation

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Policy and Legal challengesClassified into socio-economic, technical, logistical

and policy(a) Socio-economic:

1. Limited land size due to population growth in high potential areas, while in drier areas moisture and animal damage are main constraints

2. Lack of capital to invest in bamboo processing tools and machinery by small and medium scale entrepreneurs.

3. Poorly developed market for bamboo products4. Lack of modern and appropriate skills for

diversified utilization of bamboo5. Inadequate awareness of the potential of bamboo in

development of rural communities and the country

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Policy and Legal Challenges Continued(b) Logistics:Inadequate capacity and tools for effective surveillance of

stands, fire outbreaks, efficient harvesting and processingExact resource base not knownLack of well organized bamboo cottage industryInadequate financial allocation to develop minor forest

produce(c) Policy constraints:Inadequate recognition of non-timber forest productsRestriction on movement of bamboo produce from

farmlandsLack of clear rules and regulations on bamboo

exploitation from gazetted forestsInadequate policy for development of markets

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The way ahead

Research to generate data on local bamboo resource to guide management, harvesting, utilization & marketing. Need to carry out research in:

Kenya to intensifying production from existing sources & expand production from private farms by a) developing comprehensive extraction techniques

and harvesting regimes b) developing techniques for restocking over-

harvested areas Improving & diversifying utilization of bamboo by

a) improving knowledge on bamboo properties b) developing appropriate bamboo preservation

methodsAssessment of marketing dynamics as a feedback to

investment in the industry.

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Changes in Policy and Legislation Some policy issues and legislative issues need to be

addressed to ensure benefits from bamboo sector in Kenya. Priority areas include: Development of policy guidelines using proven

technical information on best practices to improve bamboo production, utilization and marketing. Draft policy has been written in form of a cabinet memo

Ease the ban on harvesting bamboo from Government managed forests to achieve full utilization and improve livelihoods of local communities

Adopt proper pricing policy based on market studiesHave a bamboo strategy and a program to implement

the strategy

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THANK YOU

Try Bamboo shoots for a great Taste!!!