The Bamboo and Rattan Sectors in Asia: an Analysis of ... - INBAR

experience that seldom results in success. Moreover, forest rangers and guards seem
to disregard the licences even when they are granted, demanding bribes. Therefore,
people prefer to harvest bamboo illegally, removing it from the forest in small head
loads at the risk of punishment (a 'fine').
Bamboo craft workers prefer the cultivated bamboo, which is straighter, has
longer internodes and is easier to split and work with. Non-tribal people own most
of the cultivated bamboo in the area (75%), though two of the four tribal groups in
the area also cultivate some. There are three ways in which a craftsperson can get
cultivated bamboo:
1. Small sales ---- up to five culms may be bought at one time. It is paid for in
cash and transported by the craftsperson as a head load. The culms are selected by
the buyer but cut and extracted by the owner of the stand.
2. Leasing a stand ---- a craftsperson may take a bamboo stand on annual lease,
paying rent in installments. Small quantities of bamboo are extracted as needed by
the craftsperson. The bamboo is transported as head load or by bullock cart. This
mechanism tends to result in lower prices per culm, and stand owners are reluctant
to enter into such lease agreements as they fear reduced future yields from improper
harvesting.
3. Large sales ---- there are about 20 tribal villages that specialize in bamboo
crafts. They require large supplies on a regular basis. For example, a village of 125
families consumes three truckloads (800 culms per load) every week. Having exhausted
resources in their locality, they are forced to transport raw material from long distances,
and many purchase two-three truckloads at a time.
Tribal people, especially the Thakurs (95%), do most bamboo work. Every Thakur
family has at least one member who is familiar with bamboo work, which is mostly
done around the house, in courtyards or verandahs. The artisans and the users typically
live within the same general vicinity.
Bamboo works is done during lean periods in the agricultural season and
whenever time permits. The products are mainly for household use or barter with
neighbors. Surplus products are bartered or sold in the market. Most craft workers
are 45-70 years of age, the women and the younger men having many other more
pressing occupations. Younger people are less interested in taking up bamboo crafts.
Other occupations include farming, which takes up about 50% of peoples' time on
average, and hunting and gathering. Bamboo craft takes up 20% their time, and
generates about 8% of the total income, plus substantial unquantified utility value.
Bamboo products include the very important fish traps and weirs, a wide variety
of baskets and containers, and bows and arrows. Bamboo is also an important material
in building houses, animal sheds and fences, and bullock carts. Simple tools ---- a
machete and perhaps a small chisel ---- and technology are employed. Bamboo baskets
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