Dr. Adaeze Nnedinma Achugbu is
the Deputy Director,
Sahelian Institute for Bamboo Research and Entrepreneurship Development (SIBRED),
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. In this interview with Mashe Umaru Gwamna , she spoke about how bamboo medicinal benefits of bamboo and how it offers ecological benefits and alleviate poverty. Excerpts :
Does bamboo have potentials of ecological benefits in Nigeria?
Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris (L.) is found in tropical and subtropical areas. Bamboo is a versatile resource with a long history of use in construction, paper production, medicine, textiles, and food. It also offers ecological benefits such as; carbon sequestration and soil conservation. Bamboo’s fast growth rate makes it a potential tool for mitigating climate change, while its organic matter can improve soil quality and prevent soil erosion.
In Nigeria, favorable conditions exist for various bamboo species, and the plant’s parts can help with environmental clean-up. Bamboo’s ability to grow in multiple-soils and climatic conditions makes it an ideal crop for use in agroforestry systems. Bamboo’s deep root systems also makes it an effective tool for water conservation, helping to prevent water loss from soil and reduce the risk of flooding. These deep roots also make it a good plant for use in the phytoremediation of contaminants that have leached to considerable depths down the soil profile.
What type of land can one grow bamboo in Nigeria?
Bamboo can grow in various types of lands including degraded and marginal lands (these are lands that have little agricultural value).
Which state in Nigeria has the fastest growing bamboo and the years it takes to grow?
Kogi State has the fastest-growing bamboo in Nigeria and it takes about 3 years to be established.
How fast can bamboo grow and how can it be a sustainable resource for Nigeria?
Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on earth, with some species growing up to 3ft in one day. Bamboo grows almost 30 times faster than regular hardwood trees. Yes, bamboo is highly sustainable. This is because the properties of bamboo makes it the ideal resource to cultivate. Not only does it grow incredibly fast, but also requires zero pesticides and very little water to grow. It can also self-regenerate from its roots, so there is often no need to replant it.
Bamboo is a versatile plant, what do we specifically use it for in Nigeria?
Bamboo is a highly versatile and sustainable plant that has been utilized for various purposes in many cultures and countries around the world. In Nigeria, bamboo has traditionally been used for construction, furniture, tool-making, and as firewood.
Is Bamboo a natural resource for poverty alleviation and environmental conservation?
Yes. The development, management and utilization of bamboo and in the country will turn around economies if properly pursued. In this way, it will help to alleviate poverty. Bamboo also plays an important role in the environment. It helps lower the light intensity and protects against ultraviolet rays.
The South east is prevalence to erosion challenges, do you think planting bamboo can prevent soil erosion?
Yes. Planting bamboo can prevent soil erosion in the southeast. Its organic matter can improve soil quality and prevent soil erosion and the plant’s parts can help with environmental clean-up.
Your Institution has collected some sample seeds from China for research, don’t you think our bamboo seeds are more eco-friendly to us than that of China?
Theses sample seeds collected from China are for research and bio-diversity.
In building houses with bamboo, can it last for more than 20 years?
If the bamboo is chosen well, treated properly, designed carefully and maintained, a bamboo house can last a lifetime.
What advice do you have for the federal and state governments concerning bamboo planting opportunities?
I would advise the government to embrace the cultivation of bamboo trees in the country so as to harness its enormous benefits..
