Potential of bamboo as an alternative crop and livelihood strategy to smallholder tobacco farmers in South Nyanza region, Kenya

Abstract

The presentation reviews successful crop diversification of 120 farm trial sites in Kenya, where bamboo seedlings were planted under the same growing conditions as tobacco crops in terms of soil, altitude, rainfall and temperatures. The presentation compares the cultivation of tobacco and bamboo in terms of inputs/outputs and costs/benefits. Bamboo cultivation and training was provided. 50% of former tobacco farmers involved in the project have switched to bamboo, which can be used for housing, furniture, handicrafts and general construction. Recommendations include provision of a transitional fund to support input requirements as well as to cover the period when intercropping with bamboo is completed.