NewsTraining on bamboo propagation and management in Kenya
INBAR imparts nursery operators with bamboo propagation skills and knowledge in Kenya.
INBAR conducted bamboo propagation and management technology training on 10 June 2022 at the Penon in Elgeyo-Markwet, Kenya. The training aims to impart nursery operators with bamboo propagation skills and knowledge to improve their livelihoods by raising the quality and quantity of bamboo seedlings for sale and restoration of degraded landscapes and reducing the cost of bamboo seedlings for the locals to afford and hence increasing bamboo plantation in the country.
The training, organized in collaboration with the Kenya Forestry Research Institute and the Kenya Water Towers Agency (KWTA), brought more than 32 Penon Community Forest Association members to build their capacity for the production of bamboo seedlings and growth performance and propagation management technologies.
In his opening remarks, Luka Rotich, Penon Community Forest Association (CFA) Chairperson, welcomed participants and alluded that it was important for CFA members to acquire bamboo propagation and management skills to support greening initiatives in the country and improve their livelihoods. The chair appreciated the organizers of the training as it helps to enhance the capacity of trainees to improve bamboo planting materials in the country.
Dr. Selim Reza, Dutch-Sino-East Africa Bamboo Development Programme Manager, took the trainees through the theory and practical concepts of understanding bamboo propagation, nursery establishment, and management procedures and techniques, including seeds, cuttings, rhizomes, and proliferation. The event was successful and very much appreciated by the trainees, who acknowledged the significance of bamboo in environmental protection, poverty alleviation, and job creation.
In her closing remarks, Joyce Kaino, Regional Coordinator of KWTA, appreciated the effort made by INBAR to take the initiative and organize the training for the Penon Community Forest Association members to help boost their nursery development efforts and increase bamboo grown by the community.
Bamboo seedling production is a critical area in scaling up bamboo plantations. In Kenya, bamboo growers are receptive to bamboo cultivation after bamboo was scheduled as the 16th Cash Crop in the country and approved by the Kenya National Bamboo Policy. However, bamboo uptake is still at an early stage due to limited information on its diverse uses and deficient propagation know-how among nursery operators and farmers. INBAR through its project strives to address these challenges in the country.
Learn more about the Dutch-Sino-East Africa Bamboo Development Programme.
