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

Policy Constraints
Studies have identified a number of policy constraints at all levels of government
and administration. INBAR should play a pro-active role in understanding these
policy constraints and sensitizing policymakers to these impediments, especially as
they impact on resource-poor farming systems and their incentive structure. INBAR
could take on a convener role to address and help solve some of these issues, including
inter alia:
1. Improving security of land tenure and usufruct rights;
2. Reducing domestic and export market and trade restrictions;
3. Improving access to appropriate market information;
4. Reducing fiscal disincentives (e.g. excessive taxes, tariffs and levies);
5. Replacing obstructive regulatory instruments (e.g. forest product permits);
6. Rationalizing the official institutional environment governing the bamboo
and rattan sectors; and
7. Improving physical infrastructure.
Information and Analysis
The database studies identified large gaps and inconsistencies in production and
trade statistics relating to the bamboo and rattan sectors. Reliable statistics are required
for improving the design of interventions in the sector. Appropriate institutions in
the producing countries need to improve their collection and maintenance of
appropriately disaggregated databases and include, in particular, complete and
accurate statistics on these important commodities.
Training and Capacity Building
An important constraint highlighted in a number of the studies was the lack of
appropriate knowledge about existing technologies and management practices. INBAR
is well-positioned to develop a series of training modules, and to encourage training
of bamboo and rattan PCS through various modalities, such as training-of-trainers
and participatory training. Suggested modules include:
1. Small-scale rattan cultivation and management;
2. Furniture design and manufacturing;
3. Management of microenterprises;
4. Small-scale bamboo cultivation and management; and
5. Other specific value-added bamboo processing technologies
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