MDBRPP
Background
Market Development of Bamboo and Rattan Products with Potential (MDBRPP) Project, a Common Fund for Commodities (CFC)-funded project, was implemented in Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar, by the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR). The Department of Forest Research and Survey (DFRS) was the executing agency in Nepal. The project was in operation from the beginning of June 2005 to the end of June 2011.Objectives
The overall objective of the project was to improve quality, durability, market opportunities and resource base of bamboo-based commodities and their sustainable development in the least developed countries.Outputs
Significant achievements were made during the project period in raising awareness level, building capacity, documenting traditional designs and networking artisans and traders involved in bamboo and rattan sub-sector. The principal areas covered were: introduction of fast growing bamboo (moso), establishment of demonstration and management plots; plantation of different species of bamboo and rattan in sample plots and farmers’ fields; research on nursery and plantation techniques of bamboo and rattan species; formation of artisan and bamboo growers’ group; training on bamboo weaving and furniture making, handicraft making, and bamboo cultivation, propagation and management; review and documentation of traditional design and technologies; study on market potentiality and constraints and their publications. In addition, the project also supported the production and distribution of native and exotic bamboo and rattan seedlings to interested organizations and people. Different management regimes were studied in sample plots.One of the important activities undertaken was to review and document the traditional designs and technologies of bamboo and rattan products in Nepal. This review found that several designs and products were in use, but need considerable improvements to export in developed western market. Similarly, existing information on bamboo and rattan species in Nepal was reviewed and documented. The researches/studies on bamboo and rattan resources in Nepal were found to be inadequate. Moreover, the developed western markets for bamboo and rattan commodities were reviewed. Market opportunities and constraints for bamboo and rattan products in Nepal were also identified.
The project emphasized public participation in developing bamboo and rattan sub- sector in Nepal. The project involved many governments, non- government and also community-based organizations. The project provided a forum to discuss, plan and work together on several bamboo related fronts.
Another important tangible achievement of the project was the development of the trained human resources. Over 20 artisans were trained in bamboo weaving and furniture making by international experts both from Nepal and abroad. As part of the capacity building programme, two bamboo weaving and handicraft making training programs were organized in which over 40 individuals participated. Moreover, 20 bamboo growers were trained on bamboo cultivation, propagation and management. Similarly, 13 people participated in the 12-day study tour to the bamboo-rich State of NE India, Tripura, and acquired knowledge on woven products, furniture and other industrial products, tools/equipments used, and marketing arrangements. Likewise, several MDBRPP staff attended various international meetings/workshops related to bamboo and rattan.
The activities, experiences and information on bamboo and rattan generated from the project have been well documented. MDBRPP project has published some publications documenting the results/outcome of the project. An even more significant achievement is that it has facilitated in the finalization of bamboo and rattan policy of Nepal.
Several meetings were organized in villages for forming artisan and bamboo grower's groups in five project locations. Five artisans’ groups as well as bamboo growers’ groups have been constituted.
A display centre of bamboo and rattan products has been established in the main building of the Department. A variety of traditional and new bamboo and rattan products designed and prepared by local designers of Nepal are displayed in the centre.
National design exhibition and trade fair of bamboo and rattan products was also organized which provided a platform for producers, designers and practitioners to present and display bamboo and rattan products.
