The general objective of this project is to increase farmers’ resilience, by improving their livelihoods through harnessing the potentials of local bamboo species in their vicinity to improve post-harvest storage and preservation of rice and onion.

The specific objectives of the pilot project are:

• To enhance the capacities of beneficiaries in bamboo propagation, plantation establishment and agroforestry;
• To establish bamboo nurseries;
• To design and develop sustainable alternative drying surfaces using bamboo;
• Enhance the capacities of beneficiaries in the production of bamboo drying surfaces.

The following results were attained at the end of the pilot phase:

• 102 (74M/28F) smallholder farmers and craftsmen trained in bamboo nursery establishment and propagation techniques, plantation establishment and agroforestry in the Western and Northern Regions;
• Two (2) bamboo nurseries were established at Pitoa (Northern Region) and Bandounga (Western Region), with a total production of 9,000 bamboo seedlings;
• 50 (38M/12F) smallholder farmers and craftsmen trained in bamboo pallet and drying rack production in the Western and Northern Regions.
• Several tools/machines were purchased and handed over to beneficiaries (Cooperative groups).
• A total of 50 bamboo pallets were produced and distributed to cooperative groups in the Western Region
• A total of 4 drying racks were produced and handed to the cooperative in Pitoa. There was a significant reduction in post-harvest losses, and improved storage capacity and food quality. According to Cooperative members, onions stored in bamboo drying racks were of better quality and there was a drastic reduction in post-harvest losses.
• Two manuals were developed (bamboo pallet production and bamboo drying rack production)

For more information about the project, please contact:

Rene Kaam, Regional Director, Central Africa Region, 

PADFA

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development