Walia Special Edition on the Bale Mountains (2011) - Zoologische ...

intermediaries in Goba town who buy culms to sell in neighbouring towns (value = 1.1–1.3 ETB/
culm), producers in Goba who make crafts (value = 6.6 ETB/culm), house constructors (value =
1.66 ETB/culm) who use the raw bamboo for house walls, floors and fences and consumers in Goba
and the surrounding towns. As the value added on the bamboo increases, its economic value also
gets higher. The Government is only involved in tax collection and not much involvement is seen
with other organisations except for the recently started BERSM Programme.
Major problems identified in the value chain that need to be addressed are:
(1) Lack of communication between chain actors - each work separately and try to maximise
profit overlooking the quality which compromises future economic as well as environmental benefits,
maximise profit and work in a coordinated manner;
Farmers work as an individuals rather than organised groups, the latter of which could give them
more bargaining power and would ensure a more equitable share of the benefits from bamboo
resources among community members;
(2) There is lack of skill both among harvesters and producers which contributes to improper
harvesting methods, poor quality product and minimum value addition; and
(3) Government is not fully involved which has created the view that Government is there
only to collect money and not to support those involved in bamboo businesses.
Conclusion and Recommendations
There is great potential to strengthen bamboo value chains for sustainable utilisation in Shedem and its
surrounding kebele as a result of the availability of bamboo resources and the presence of BERSMP, other
NGOs working in natural resources management as well as the newly formed Bale Forest Enterprise that
can support the necessary processes for doing so. An increase in bamboo investment by the private sector
is also encouraging. Concerted actions need to be taken that fully involve all potential chain actors and the
local government. A chain that is well developed with actors that communicate with each other for better
products will result in a profitable and lasting business. And for this, the following recommendations are
suggested:
(1) It is essential to study the current exact size and condition of bamboo resources in Shedem
to fully understand the potential of the resource and establish sustainable harvest levels;
(2) Establishment of bamboo plantations will ensure reduction of pressure on the natural
forest and increase availability of bamboo resources to support community livelihoods;
(3) Appropriate training in, for example, bamboo propagation, cultivation, storage, crafts and
furniture making will help ensure proper resource management and the sustainability of community
livelihoods that depend on bamboo resources;
(4) Organising farmers as a community group will enable them to be fully and equitably
involved in the value chain, improve the quality of products and earn them more money;
(5) Support needs to be provided to communities to establish working partnership with
private investors;
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