The Indigenous Bamboo Forests of Ethiopia: An Overview

Agricultural land expansion is almost eliminating the bamboo forests of Ethiopia, and the biological diversity associated with them. Several bamboo species are endemic to Africa and mainly found in Ethiopia. Consequently, their preservation is of international concern. Urgent and effective action is required to secure their future existence and for their use in systems managed on a sustainable basis. Utilization driven production could ensure their sustainability. Lack of awareness about their multiple use and a paucity of scientific knowledge about their production and main properties are impediments for conservation and utilization. Concerted efforts are needed to generate and adopt the required knowledge and technology in order to promote bamboo forest cultivation in Ethiopia as an economically viable crop, which is of environmental interest.