NewsPromoting a multi-stakeholder platform for strengthening the bamboo sector in Ethiopia
INBAR and the Ethiopian Forestry Development unite regional stakeholders to integrate the bamboo strategic plan to support SMEs and cooperatives.
The Ethiopia Bamboo Supply Chain Development Project, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Forestry Development (EFD), organized the Workshop on Bamboo Regional Multi-stakeholder Platform. The primary objective was to motivate recently established regional states to integrate the bamboo strategic plan into their mainstream initiatives and strengthen the support to bamboo Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and cooperatives. The workshop took place in Hawassa City from 21–22 December 2023, drawing the participation of 31 experts and policymakers from forestry, enterprise development and cooperative works bureaus across various regions.
Dr. Teshome Tamirat, Head of the Bamboo Development and Technology Desk at EFD delivered the opening remarks, expressing appreciation for the participants and setting the expectation for a productive and collaborative discussion.
The first day featured presentations by Mr. Wondimagegn, Technical Officer at INBAR East Africa Regional Office (EARO), and Dr. Teshome. Topics included an overview of INBAR operations in Ethiopia, the integration of bamboo strategy into regional planning and budgeting, and the strengthening of the multi-stakeholder platform for bamboo development. In the afternoon, bamboo focal persons from each region presented the status of bamboo development and utilization activities within their respective areas. Q&A sessions followed the experts’ presentations, fostering a general discussion based on the insights shared by the participants.
The second day continued with presentations on important topics such as the role of the bamboo desk in promoting SMEs and industries in Ethiopia, the development of bamboo products in public procurement systems in Ethiopia, bamboo supply chain development for SMEs and industries, and support services and schemes for SMEs development. Dr. Teshome, Mr. Wondimagegn, Dr. Dagnew, INBAR EARO Project Coordinator, and Mr. Melese from Hawassa City Enterprise Offices, shared their expertise on these subjects.
The workshop concluded with an open discussion that thoroughly examined the status, challenges, opportunities and necessary actions to strengthen bamboo enterprises and associations in the new regions. Participants outlined improvement measures and the way forward for better collaboration and support in the future, reaching a consensus on the significance and continuation of the multi-stakeholder platform for further intensifying bamboo development and utilization across the regions.
The Ethiopia Bamboo Supply Chain Development Project is funded by AECID.
