TITLE:               

Bamboo Supply Chain Nodes in the Province of Bukidnon, Philippines

AUTHORS:     

Dr. Hazel E. SOLIVEN, Prof. Sheila C. POONON, Dr. Lowell G. ARIBAL, Dr. Alex S. OLPENDA, EnP. Rena Christina C. PUNO, MSIT Rinante M. BUNTOD, For. Bryan Allan M. TALISAY, EnP. Mildred L. TABAOSARES, Dr. Eric N. BRUNO, Dr. Rodriga G. AGUINSATAN, Juliet M. IMAN, Uzzi Kobe Yitzhak F. LIBAYAO, Jerry Paul M. GUIL-AN, Mc Kier Lu Q. DELOSO, Rae Kenneth M. FERNANDEZ, Ronald Regan C. FORTEN, Manilyn Grace B. SACAY

DOI:  10.5110/77. 1128               Page:   196-211         Vol: 19    Issue: 03   Year: 2024

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted to assess the supply chain of the bamboo industry. It covered the bamboo-producing areas in Bukidnon. The key players identified were nursery operators, farmers, processors, traders, farmers/processors, farmers/traders, and key customers. A reconnaissance survey and visits to local government units in bamboo-producing areas were conducted to identify the study sites. Structured survey questionnaires were developed to gather primary data. Results revealed that the municipality of Malaybalay has the most significant number of identified bamboo species, with a total of four (4). There are eight specific supply chains traced. Bamboo from Bukidnon will be brought to Cagayan de Oro City and other provinces of Northern Mindanao. Bamboo poles and slats were used as is or for further processing both for domestic and export markets. Issues and concerns include poor farm-to-market roads, no vehicles for delivery from far-flung places, a lack of knowledge or awareness among farmers about the potential of bamboo, the absence of a unified and established bamboo farmers’ association, price fluctuations due to too much competition for nursery operators, poor to no mobile signal to increase market reach, the usage of chemical inputs to prolong the useful life of handicrafts and furniture, and a lack of support from government agencies for market linkage. Finally, respondents pointed out inefficiencies along the chain like a lack of technology and appropriate machines and limited access to finance. It is highly recommended to develop intervention projects on production, marketing and value-adding technologies to boost the bamboo industry further.

  Keywords:

Bamboo industry, bamboo key players, Bukidnon, supply chain

Received: 28 February 2024

Accepted: 14 March 2024

Published: 23 March 2024