Bamboo production chain in Ecuador

Abstract

A production chain study of Guadua angustifolia was carried out for Ecuador in order to get a better insight in the products and actors involved in the growing, manufacturing, trading and end use of this indigenous bamboo species. The study revealed a whole variety of uses ranging from whole, round bamboo culms to parquet flooring. Most of the Guadua consumption is domestic and for household or construction uses. The export market is limited and mainly concentrated on bamboo poles for the construction sector in Peru. The largest potential markets seem to be national demands for the agricultural and construction sectors. Although there is some experience with the manufacturing and exportation of Guadua products, most actors involved along the chain present serious shortcomings in quality control and sustainability of the production. The growing interest in bamboo as an alternative natural product and the opening up of markets mean new opportunities for Ecuador, although much work has to be done on information gathering and promotion of Guadua as a new high quality product. The recent conformation of the National Consultative Council for Bamboo may lead to an increment of the interest in and competitiveness of the sector.