Musanze- Bamboo farmers in the greater Virunga area have appealed for government support in processing and marketing of their products for the local and international markets.They need equipment, technical training and marketing. Over 5000 farmers from various associations made up of ex-poachers, former illegal bamboo cutters and community conservationists are involved in the production of office furniture and other art crafts. “We want to improve on the quality of the products we make in order to fetch better prices but we lack proper machines so we do it manually,” said Consolate Nyirabatega of Kinigi. According to Prosper Uwingeri, the chief park warden, the concept of growing bamboo outside the volcanoes national park, is aimed at stopping illegal entry into the park, control soil erosion and improve people’s livelihoods as an alternative income resource. “We support the initiatives of bamboo farming undertaken to provide both wildlife conservation and people’s livelihoods.”“The experience around the park has demonstrated that working with community organisations such as women cooperatives and community conservation teams can link both conservation and livelihood objectives. Providing alternative resources such as bamboo, also remains a strategic orientation,” Uwingeri said.
