Value Chain Analysis of Highland Bamboo (Yushania alpina) in Banja District, Awi Zone, Ethiopia

Bamboo is one of the most important vegetation resources in highlands of Ethiopia. In Ethiopia, understanding the socioeconomic significance of bamboo resources and linkages between policy makers and other organizations is a persistent issue for the expansion of bamboo industry. This study aims at analyzing the value chain of highland bamboo originating from Banja district, Awi zone, Ethiopia. Specifically, it investigates the current value chain structure of highland bamboo and the role of actors and identifies the existing upgrading strategies along the chain, estimates the market performance, analyzes the determinants that affect the market supply of highland bamboo, and analyzes the governance structure along the highland bamboo value chain. Primary data were collected from direct value chain actors such as 122 sampled households, 13 traders, 16 processors, and 30 final users through semistructured interview schedules, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and personal observation. Descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression, and value chain analysis were employed to analyze the data. Government offices and international network of bamboo and rattan and micro and small enterprises were support service providers. The governance structures in the bamboo value chain differ from one stage to the other stage. The result of multiple linear regression model indicated that the land size allocated for bamboo plantation, number of culm harvested, access of market information, and silviculture management practice positively affected the market supply of bamboo culm, whereas distance to the market affected the market supply of bamboo culm negatively and significantly. Based on the findings of this study, designing policies help to increase farmers’ knowledge and skills through capacity building and help to improve information access, silviculture management practice, and market supply of culm.