Bamboos include some of the fastest-growing plants in the world, due to a unique rhizome-dependent system. This rapid growth and tolerance for marginal land make bamboo to be sought after as a versatile raw material in several manufacturing sectors of different economies globally and as a viable candidate for afforestation, carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation.
Speaking on other economic uses of the bamboo tree, the chairman of pulp and paper group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria , Princess Okeowo, said multifunctional application of bamboo could be tapped by several industries in Nigeria, stating an area of immediate concern is the utilization of bamboo as a substitute or complimentary raw material to wood, most especially in the wood products sector.
Speaking on the health benefits, Dr.
“Research has also shown bamboo charcoal as one of the base materials for human health, from water treatment to its uses as shield from electro-magnetic radiation. With its high growth rate, wide range of applications and high re-newing ability, bamboo resources can occupy a significant position in the 21st century as a versatile and important raw material in Nigeria.
Ibrahim also said the council had commenced a detailed inventory and quantitative assessment of bamboo clumps in addition to coordinating the characterization of Nigerian bamboo species so as to determine their industrial potentials, adding the anatomical, physical and chemical properties of local bamboo species are being analyzed to determine the suitability of the existing bamboo species for various uses.
Source: Energy Industry News (energyindustrynews.net)