Ethiopia endeavoring to use bamboo resource effectively

Addis Ababa, March 14 (WIC) – The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) said that Ethiopia is endeavoring to efficiently use its bamboo resource as alternative energy source to satisfy the growing demand.

Agriculture State Minister, Sileshi Getahun, made the remark at the 5th regional project steering committee meeting held here yesterday with the theme, “ Bamboo Biomass Energy: A Suitable Alternative for Firewood and Charcoal in Africa.”

Members of the National Project Management Unit (NPMU) of the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan, representatives of the financing organization from the delegation of the EU to Ethiopia and concerned department from Ethiopia and Ghana attended the meeting.

“Ethiopia is undertaking various activities to efficiently use its bamboo resource as alternative energy source to satisfy the current energy requirements,” Sileshi said.
According to the state minister, the project is very crucial to reduce the increasing pressure of deforestation, environmental degradation, household emissions and women and girls health hazards.

Ministry Sustainable Land Use Program Coordinator Melaku Tadesse on his part said the project has created better opportunity to exploit the untapped potential in the country.
Many projects were undertaken in Ethiopia by various international organizations since 2006, he recalled. As INBAR Project is to phase out, the Ministry in collaboration with other stakeholders is prepared to replicate best practices to other areas of the country, Melaku said.

The damage on the country's bamboo resource due to fire and clearing for new farmlands should be contained by state governments for its effective utilization, he said.
The development of bamboo is also vital towards minimizing climate change impact as the plant naturally absorbs 50 per cent more carbon and emit more oxygen, Melaku noted.
The project is funded by the European Union.