Towards upgrading lowland bamboo (Oxytenanthera abyssinica (A.Rich.) Munro) value chains in Ethiopia: Available resources versus economic development perspectives

Ethiopia holds vast, ISO-compliant lowland bamboo reserves ( Oxytenanthera abyssinica ), yet this resource remains largely untapped beyond local consumption. This study synthesizes current evidence and field assessments to identify key systemic barriers in the lowland bamboo value chain. Our analysis confirms the sector is characterized by a rudimentary, fragmented chain, where commercialization is principally hindered by limited value addition, inadequate technical capacity, and severe policy gaps, particularly concerning forest tenure and utilization rights. Transitioning the sector from an unsustainable extractive economy to a productive, green industrial economy requires securing community land-use rights, implementing targeted capacity-building and promoting strategic investment in engineered bamboo products. • Ethiopia’s ISO-standard lowland bamboo remains 99% untapped, confined to a non-industrial extractive economy. • Policy gaps and fragmented value chains contribute to the degradation of lowland bamboo. • Community land rights are essential for sustainable bamboo forest management. • Transformation requires massive strategic investment in high-value engineered bamboo products.