By: Professor Dato Dr Ahmad Ibrahim
We know bamboo is used a lot during Raya times for making ‘lemang’. We also know bamboo is a hardy fast growing crop. We may not know that bamboo based products thrive in countries like China. The latest we hear is that the world market is fast approaching $100 billion a year. We have spoken a lot about starting bamboo as another industry. But it has not taken off. This idea to grow bamboo on a large scale has come back. It is time we have a proper comprehensive economic plan to deliver this idea. May be, we should now conduct a laboratory to engage potential stakeholders to develop the right blueprint. One idea that has been mentioned is to make bamboo a material under our agroforestry project.
Bamboo has immense potential to support economic growth and alleviate poverty, especially in developing regions. It offers a sustainable resource that can be cultivated quickly, harvested repeatedly, and used in a wide range of industries. There are key areas where bamboo could play a transformative role. Bamboo grows rapidly. Some species grow up to 1 meter per day, and thrives in various climates. It can be used in reforestation and land restoration efforts, particularly in degraded lands. By stabilizing soil, preventing erosion, and improving water retention, bamboo can contribute to healthier ecosystems and sustainable agriculture.
Farmers can grow bamboo in marginal lands that are otherwise unsuitable for other crops. The short growth cycle allows them to harvest bamboo regularly, providing a continuous income stream. Bamboo cultivation, harvesting, and processing create jobs across its value chain. This is particularly relevant for rural communities, where employment opportunities are limited. Local farmers can be trained in bamboo cultivation techniques, leading to economic diversification and resilience.
Bamboo-based industries can provide employment in rural areas, promoting inclusive economic development and helping lift communities out of poverty. Bamboo’s versatility makes it a valuable resource for multiple sectors. Bamboo can replace wood, steel, and concrete in construction due to its strength and flexibility. Bamboo-based furniture is durable and eco-friendly, making it popular in both domestic and export markets. Bamboo fibres are used to make sustainable fabrics for the fashion industry. Bamboo can be converted into bioenergy, providing an alternative to fossil fuels. Not forgetting bamboo shoots for the food market.
Developing bamboo-based industries boosts local economies and opens up export opportunities. This helps increase income for producers and reduce dependence on unsustainable materials like plastics. Bamboo absorbs significant amounts of carbon dioxide, making it an important tool for climate change mitigation. Bamboo-based agroforestry can enhance climate resilience, especially in regions prone to extreme weather.
Governments and organizations are increasingly investing in climate-positive projects. Bamboo cultivation could attract funding for carbon sequestration and climate adaptation projects, benefiting rural communities. Value-added products such as bamboo furniture, paper, clothing, and flooring have a growing market globally. Bamboo has already become a major export product in countries like China and India, but smaller nations, especially in Asia and Africa, can tap into these markets.
By moving from raw bamboo exports to manufacturing value-added products, countries can boost income levels and create small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are key drivers of economic growth. Bamboo has long been used in traditional crafts and artisanship. Supporting local artisans through bamboo-based entrepreneurship can preserve cultural heritage while creating economic opportunities. Bamboo craftwork has the potential to generate local business opportunities and boost tourism, which in turn enhances local economies.
There are challenges moving the idea forward. Farmers and local producers often face barriers in accessing markets, particularly international markets. The development of bamboo industries requires investment in skills, technology, and infrastructure to improve processing and value-added production. Governments need to develop policies that promote bamboo cultivation, protect bamboo forests, and support bamboo-based industries through incentives and subsidies.
Bamboo undoubtedly offers a scalable, sustainable, and eco-friendly resource that can drive economic growth while supporting poverty alleviation. With the right investment in infrastructure, training, and market access, bamboo can become a key part of the green economy, offering a path toward inclusive and sustainable development. It is time to put into action our bamboo industry development strategy. Together with rubber, bamboo can drive our agroforestry agenda. It is a lethal combination.
The author is an Associate Fellow at the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies (UAC), Universiti Malaya, and may be reached at uacds@um.edu.my