Uganda’s Vision for Bamboo sector and Role of trilateral cooperation

Background

Uganda Vision 2040 framework provides plans and strategies to transform Ugandan society, “… from a peasant to a modern and prosperous country within 30 years”.

Non-wood forest products including bamboo have provided important livelihood safety nets for the poor for many generations.

Uses of bamboo Bamboo is used for; Food & income to communities.Landscape restoration.Biodiversity protection. Construction -building poles.Making weaves and crafts.

Source of energy-cookingFencing &protection of water sources.

Young bamboo plantation in Namanve CFR

Bamboo used for spring protection in Westnile

Situational analysisResearch carried out by NAFORRI indicates that bamboo is found in protected areas of Echuya, Mgahinga, Bwindi and Mt. Rwenzori NP &Mt. Elgon NP. There are also other small pockets of bamboo vegetation scattered in various parts of Uganda(private land). Few products have been made and demonstrated by Uganda Industrial research Institute(UIRI).

Policy and legislationExisting policies and laws derive their mandate from the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995. They include the National Environment Act, Cap 153 (1995), National Forestry Policy (2002).National Forestry and Tree Planting Act (2003), Land Act (2001). Local Government Act (1997).National Environment Policy (1995).National Wetlands Policy (1994).Uganda Wildlife Policy (2003). Policies and laws are reflected in the National Forest Plan (2012 ).

Key issues on bamboo resourcesLack of a data base on extent and amount of bamboo resources. Lack of data on current consumption and future trends. limited or no trials on raising bamboo from seed& vegetative methods.Bamboo faces threats of colonizing forests and fires.Bamboo utilization and processing has been neglected(value addition, marketing and utilization).Limited planting of bamboo.Land use change:(heavy encroachment and conversion to farm lands).

Developments in bamboo sectorBamboo project proposal developed-focusing on promotion, development & sustainable utilization.Training Ugandans in bamboo silviculture by INBAR.Raising of bamboo seedlings in nurseries:NFA nurseries of Kabale& NTSC,NamanvePrivate nurseries in Wakiso,Nakaseke & Lira.Propagation and establishment by Individuals-Minister for Environment.

Devts contdStakeholder involvement in integrating bamboo for landscape restoration & climate change in their programs.Adoption of bamboo for energy production.Propagation and establishment by NFA-45ha.Research in propagation(trials)&value addition by NaFORRI & MUK.Awareness created by lead institutions and Government.

ConclusionThis forum will strengthen

cooperation between sister countries in bamboo development,

value addition& sustainable utilization as we address issues of climate change and protection of

fragile ecosystems.

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