Value Chain Analysis of Highland Bamboo in Tocha District of Dawro Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Highland bamboo is an important resource for rural livelihoods and environmental management in Ethiopia, particularly in theTocha District of the Dawro Zone. This study analyzed the highland bamboo value chain using data from 120 producer households, four culm traders, and five processors, collected through household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics and marketing margin analysis identified five marketing channels, with the longest linking producers, collectors, traders, processors, and consumers. The findings show that processors captured the largest marketing margin (37.5%) and profit share (33.63%), while bamboo income contributed about 15.1% to total household income. Despite its importance, the sector faces challenges such as pest and disease problems, poor road access, limited market information, weak producer organizations, and inadequate institutional support. Strengthening propagation and stand management practices, along with farmer organization and extension services, is essential to improve the performance of the bamboo value chain and its contribution to local livelihoods.