Bamboos and rattans are both important Non-Timber-Forest Products, and are unique in many ways. The methods of growing and harvesting them are more involved and differ significantly from other NTFP's. The number of production and processing stages they pass through between raw material and final product is often far greater than most other crops, and the value addition imparted is much higher. Because of this, using bamboo and to a lesser extent rattan to develop livelihoods and local economies often requires consideration of different aspects of the enabling environment, and an understanding their particular impacts upon the sector.

Development pages

Bamboo- an introduction
Rattan - an introduction (in prep)

Bamboo - Product categories (in prep)
Rattan - Product categories (in prep)

The Development Pages are a continuing series covering a wide range of subjects relevant to the use of bamboo and rattan in fuelling sustainable development. It is intended that the series will focus on specific differences between bamboo/rattan and other crops and commodities within the context of the subject of each page, and on approaches required to maximise the benefits from bamboo and rattan within that same context. The information is intended primarily as a guide for those considering utilising bamboo in their own development programmes. If you have used, or have identified an opportunity, for using bamboo or rattan in development and wish to see pages on specific subjects, or have feedback on the pages produced so far, please contact us.

Note that the pages are for information purposes only. The suitability of the information will vary in different contexts. You are strongly advised to consider the suitability of the information contained in the pages in your own local context before adoption.