Indigenous knowledge, innovation and utilization technologies of bamboo: A case of Southern Highlands of Tanzania

Abstract

Bamboo is a potential source of climate-smart income generation. However, bamboo has not gained significant influence on the farming-production lands, furniture and construction industries, thereby missing the substantial contribution it could make to local community development. This study aimed to fill the information gap concerning indigenous knowledge, innovation and utilization technologies performed by the local communities in the Iringa, Njombe and Mbeya regions of the Sothern Highlands of Tanzania. Systematic random sampling using a sampling frame generated with the help of village leaders was employed to draw the respondents. Focus group discussion, household survey and key informant interview were used to obtain information from consumers, bamboo producers and enterprises. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings on the sources of innovation demonstrate that indigenous knowledge (42.27%) and personal technical skills (30.2%) are main sources of knowledge for product innovation. Majority of traditional bamboo enterprises gain the necessary skills, knowledge and creativity via local competitors, mass media and internet. Information exchange (80%), joint buying of inputs and selling of products (73.3%), experience sharing (73.3%), and group works (26.67%) are most tactics that aid improvement and spread of innovation technologies. The study reveals that local communities utilise bamboo for food and drinks (bamboo juice and ulanzi), basketry, miscellaneous crafts, house construction, furniture, medicine and fuel use. Therefore, local community's indigenous knowldege promote innovation through use of bamboo to guarantee their livelihood and improved environmental conservation.