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

Many of the small bamboo stands are located in remote areas. This proves to be
a problem in terms of transporting and marketing harvested poles. Other problems
mentioned by growers include pilferage or poaching of bamboo poles and pests, such
as rats, that eat bamboo shoots and inhibit bamboo stands growth. The shortage of
available mature bamboo culms for harvest is another problem. Because of this, the
gatherers were forced to go deeper into the bamboo plantations/natural stands to
gather culms for sale to buyers.
Bamboo gatherers collect bamboo as a part-time activity. The culms may be used
by the gatherers' family, traded within the village or sold in larger quantities to
traders. Almost all gatherers are male (only one woman gatherer was encountered in
the survey), mostly young adults. Most are from farmer families, though a few were
engaged in fishing or business. Only one gatherer reported that he had no other
source of income. The participation of household members in bamboo gathering is
generally limited to 1 or 2 members, usually grown-up sons. A few households in
Abra reported that there were 3-4 household members involved in bamboo gathering.
Most gather bamboo within their barangays (small, independent village/town units)
or in neighboring barangays. Annual income ranges from less than P1 000 up to a
high of nearly P7 000, the average being closer to P3 000 (US$1 = P26.30). The frequency
of bamboo gathering depends on the actual or potential orders from buyers. Harvesting
is seasonal, and the peak harvesting times vary from place to place.
Bamboo gathering did not seem to hinge highly on price competition since many
of the respondents were not aware of the selling price of other gatherers.
Sun drying is done by some (44%) to reduce the moisture content and thereby
limit fungal infection and insect attack. Drying also reduces weight of the culms,
making transport easier. Most (66%) reported that no treatment was done to prevent
damage by insects or fungi, as the technology available had not reached them. Very
few gatherers in Iloilo split the culm into specified sizes; the rest there and elsewhere
transport and sell them as whole culms. Only three respondents reported sorting or
bundling.
In most cases, the bamboo gatherers do not seek advance payments; they make
use of their own capital for gathering and harvesting activities.
Prices are negotiated, and they fluctuate somewhat with season and supply/
demand changes. The size and quality of the poles are two other factors affecting
prices. A bamboo culm 11-12 ft long with an estimated 5-6 inch basal diameter
commands an average price of P5.00. Quality depends on the age, color, moisture
content and straightness. Mature culms, aged 5-7 years, are preferred and the
commonly used species is Bambusa blumeana. The preferred color is deep green and
straight poles command a higher price.
Fifty percent of the gatherers were found to be aware of other market outlets
---- wholesalers, wholesaler-retailers, retailers and end users ---- existing in their
barangays or other towns/provinces.
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