Highland bamboo ( Oldeania alpina (K. Schum.)) is a vital nontimber forest resource in Ethiopia, offering significant ecological and socioeconomic benefits. Although Ethiopia possesses the largest bamboo resource base in Africa, the potential of highland bamboo remains underutilized due to limited management capacity, weak institutional support, and poorly developed markets. This study systematically reviews existing literature to synthesize evidence on highland bamboo management practices, socioeconomic contributions, and key determinants affecting its production and commercialization in Ethiopia. Following PRISMA guidelines, peer‐reviewed articles and gray literature published between 2013 and 2025 were collected from major academic databases. Following screening and eligibility assessment, 51 studies met the inclusion criteria and were incorporated into the analysis from the 242 initially identified records, covering the period 2013–2025. Results revealed that traditional management practices, including compost application, fencing, thinning, and terracing, were widely implemented by more than 80% of farmers. Socioeconomically, highland bamboo contributes significantly to rural livelihoods, accounting for up to 17% of annual household income in certain regions. Producers harvest an average of approximately 375 culms per household per year. Beyond income generation, highland bamboo provides essential materials for construction and household utilities and serves as an important commodity in local markets. Major determinants influencing production and market participation include access to extension services and training, land availability, household experience, market proximity, and availability of processing technologies. Despite these benefits, the sector faces persistent challenges, including limited value addition, weak market linkages, and inadequate policy and institutional frameworks. Enhancing extension services, strengthening bamboo value chains, promoting value‐added processing, and integrating indigenous knowledge with scientific management are critical for improving sustainable highland bamboo production and maximizing its contribution to rural livelihoods and green economic development in Ethiopia.
Negash et al. (Thu,) studied this question.