Long perceived as a simple grass, bamboo is now emerging as a strategic lever for the Malagasy economy. As the country moves toward industrializing the sector, the lack of specific regulations poses a major challenge for managing the exploitation of this resource, which holds immense potential. Until now, bamboo has circulated freely throughout the national territory without a specific legal status. This observation was made last week during a multi-stakeholder consultation workshop dedicated to the development of market systems and bamboo value chains, held at the Ibis Hotel in Ankorondrano.
Industry players emphasize the urgency of implementing specific regulations. The goal is to organize, regulate, and control the entire value chain, from planting to marketing, including production, processing, and export. Structuring this sector would allow for better coordination between the State, environmental projects, and the private sector.
Beyond its industrial potential, bamboo plays a fundamental ecological role. “It contributes to the improvement of degraded soils, prevents erosion during heavy rains, and protects watersheds,” explained Tojotsara Ratefason, Director of Protected Areas, Renewable Natural Resources, and Ecosystems at the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development. For the ministry, this approach is part of a logic of sustainability: the preservation of nature must be accompanied by direct socio-economic benefits for local populations, particularly through the creation of green jobs for youth and women.
This initiative builds on a momentum started with Madagascar’s accession to the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR) in 2004, followed by the establishment of a sectoral policy in 2018. By adopting an adapted regulatory framework, Madagascar intends to secure its production and turn this natural resource into a true engine for sustainable economic growth.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-01 06:38:35 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/industrialisation-la-filiere-bambou.html
