Bamboo absorbs water faster than most plants and in some parts of the world is used to clean sewage. Even more importantly, it soaks up heavy metals. It is a potential answer to polluted waters in Kenya, including those of Lake Victoria whose shores are dotted with large urban centres that discharge domestic and industrial waste into its waters. It is nature’s fastest-growing woody plant, with some species achieving the phenomenal growth rate of one metre a day. Its culms (poles) are the strongest, lightest natural material known to man. A square metre of flooring derived from this ‘wonder plant’ will sell for as much as US$100, while in South Asia it is used to reinforce concrete and for scaffolding on skyscrapers.

ICRAF staff inspecting giant bamboo, Thika, Kenya Photo by Chin Ong

No other woody plant matches bamboo’s versatility in environmental conservation and commerce. It is a viable replacement for both hardwoods and softwoods. With a growth rate three times that of eucalyptus it matures in just 3 years. Thereafter, harvests are possible every second year for 4 decades.

India has almost 8 million ha of commercial bamboo that provide 60% of the country’s massive paper requirements and much of its commercial timber needs. And every year, over 2 million t of edible bamboo shoots – rich in vitamins and low in carbohydrates, fats and proteins are consumed around the world, mostly in Asia.

Bamboo rhizomes anchor topsoil along steep slopes and riverbanks, very effectively controlling erosion. Bamboo leaves, sheaves and old culms that die and fall to the ground decompose and create a thick humus layer that enriches the soil. Studies in Southeast Asia and Kenya have also shown that natural bamboo forests have excellent hydrological functions that promote soil health. Some species of bamboo absorb as much as 12 t of atmospheric carbon dioxide /ha, a valuable asset to deploy against global warming.

However, bamboo remains an untapped resource in Africa, a state of affairs that the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) hopes to help remedy through a project in Kenya. The project aims to create awareness of the environmental and economic benefits of bamboo in the Lake Victoria Basin, and hopefully increase its popularity throughout eastern Africa. Interestingly, this member of the grass family is not new to Kenya. “Kenya’s water catchments were once covered in bamboo,” says Chin Ong, a hydrologist working with ICRAF. “However, most of these forests have since been cleared”. Arundinaria alpina, a species of bamboo native to Kenya, can yield as many as 20,000 culms/ha annually – with each culm growing to a height of 12 m (40 feet).

ICRAF has taken a first step towards the revival of bamboo by introducing the giant Dendrocalamus giganteus into selected parts of the Lake Victoria Basin, including river banks. This commercially attractive species can grow in areas traditionally used to cultivate sugar cane and coffee, thus providing an alternative or additional cash crop.

More than 800 seedlings have been distributed to farmers in Kericho, Kisii, Nandi South, Nyamira, Nyando, Siaya, and Vihiga Districts. Plans are in progress with municipal authorities to introduce bamboo for wastewater treatment in Kisumu and Kakamega. Further afield, ICRAF is also working with local authorities in Nairobi, Mwanza and several towns dotting Lake Victoria’s shores.

Photo by Neil Thomas

Kenya has few privately owned commercial timber plantations. Most of the country’s timber comes from small farms and government forests or is imported. However, the natural forests have been severely overexploited with only limited replanting. Timber firms are now forced to import supplies from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania to manufacture hard and soft board. The country’s leading paper manufacturer, PanPaper of Webuye, is also reportedly using plantation softwoods to fuel its boilers and make paper pulp. With its rapid growth and high woody fibre production, bamboo could supply both these industrial needs.

At the household level, bamboo could provide a valuable source of fuelwood and charcoal. It yields more than 7,000 kilocalories /kg, equivalent to half the yield from an equivalent amount of petroleum. Some species of the plant have large thorns, making them ideal for security hedges. Others grow tall straight culms that form excellent windbreaks. And of course, edible bamboo shoots would be a nutritious addition to the family table. These shoots are mild and very crunchy and can be eaten raw or cooked. The Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) already grows several highquality edible varieties.

ICRAF is partnering with KEFRI and the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology to lower the cost of bamboo seedlings and to increase their sprouting rate. At KEFRI-Kakamega, 20 species are being tested for agroecological suitability and to rate the performance indexes of local and exotic species. In Kibera, Kenya, ICRAF will work with the Ngong Forest Sanctuary to introduce bamboo as a more sustainable domestic fuel source for slum dwellers, in an attempt to save the dwindling forest reserves.

Through these collaborative projects, the revival and return of this multi-purpose and multi-value native plant are bound to have profound impacts on regional landscapes and livelihoods.