By 2027, these bamboos can be harvested and regrown, providing a continuous cycle of sustainable raw material. Interest from national stakeholders, including the Mumbwa District Commissioner and the Minister of Green Economy and Environment, signals the potential of this pilot to serve as a model for other regions in Zambia.
The 2023 goal to monitor and potentially expand the bamboo planting initiative to combat deforestation achieved steady progress in 2024. One hundred new bamboo plants were added, including a new species introduced to assess optimal suitability.
Improved livestock management ensured that these young plants could establish themselves without interference. While there are still challenges, such as ensuring adequate water during dry spells, the plantations are on track to provide sustainable alternatives for fuel and construction.
