Advancing Sustainable Bamboo Utilization: Upcoming Bamboo Training in Kenya

Advancing Sustainable Bamboo Utilization: Introducing the Bamboo 4 Africa Training Program in Kenya as Part of a Global Network of Revivement Villages

By BambooCreativeBali
June 27, 2024

Kenya is home to abundant bamboo resources now reaching harvestable age, yet a lack of technical skills and implementation of maintenance/management programs have prevented the full utilization of this valuable resource. The Bamboo 4 Africa initiative, launching in Meru, Kenya in January 2025, directly addresses these challenges by offering a comprehensive training program in bamboo clump management, sustainable harvesting, treatment techniques, and small-building construction. Hosted at the Anabas Resort, the program sets the stage for deeper engagement and knowledge-sharing, aiming to elevate bamboo as a sustainable, economically viable resource within local communities.

At the heart of the Bamboo 4 Africa training is a commitment to affordable, accessible bamboo treatment techniques. The program introduces the vertical soak diffusion (VSD) treatment method through the construction of a hyperboloid treatment tower, designed by bamboo expert Jaye Irving (Barefoot Sustainable Design, Australia) – a cost-effective and replicable solution for treating bamboo, enabling village communities to enable sustainable utilisation of bamboo resources. The training with Jaye will also cover improvement of bamboo quality through harvesting, management and Biochar production for soil fertility. This hands-on training will empower local artisans to unlock the full potential of bamboo, not only as a green alternative to timber and steel as a construction material but also as a valuable tool in combating deforestation and promoting a circular economy.

Beyond Kenya, the Bamboo 4 Africa initiative envisions a network of sister villages across Africa, each fostering regenerative development, climate resilience, and economic empowerment. By training polytechnic teachers and community members as ‘mini-experts’ in bamboo harvesting, treatment and construction basics, bamboo clump management and biochar production (from bamboo prunings), the program aims to establish a skilled workforce proficient in sustainable bamboo practices who can go on to train others in their local regions. This network extends from local villages to broader, cross-continental partnerships, uniting communities under a shared vision for sustainable development. We anticipate that there will be future training programs in Kenya and African countries flowing on from the January/February program, allowing broader access to sustainable building expertise.

Empowering Communities through Sustainable Building Skills and Cultural Exchange

A unique feature of the Bamboo 4 Africa program is its commitment to integrating local knowledge and craftsmanship with bamboo-based construction. By emphasizing the use of bamboo in small, commercializable buildings and incorporating traditional techniques into domestic building designs, the program aims to elevate bamboo as a versatile, high-value resource. This approach is designed not only to create job opportunities and stimulate income generation but also to contribute to environmental conservation through sustainable bamboo usage.

Kenya’s Vision 2030 roadmap emphasizes sustainable development and a high quality of life for all citizens. By equipping local farmers, artisans, and craftspeople with bamboo treatment, construction, and management skills, the program supports the realization of this vision, fostering a green economy that prioritizes both environmental conservation and social upliftment.

Our training program is made possible through the collective support of program participants and online donors. Funds for transportation, airfare, tools, and trainer salaries are raised through in-person student fees, online course subscriptions, and pre-sales of our upcoming documentary, which captures the training process and its transformative impact on local communities. Early supporters can pre-purchase access to the documentary training video for $50, and sign up for the comprehensive 200-hour online training program for $20 per month, with a discounted offer for those registering before December 3rd.

Join the Movement: Pre-Purchase the Documentary and Online Training Access

Eduard Nyamde of the Bamboo Resource Centre in Kenya has been a crucial partner in this initiative, integrating the Bamboo 4 Africa program into the Adaptive Bamboo Villages project on Lake Victoria’s western shore. This collaboration will help build a self-sustaining network of bamboo experts across Kenya and potentially other African countries. Eduard is part of a local network in Kenya developing an accredited Bamboo Training Program.

For those unable to join us in Kenya, the Bamboo 4 Africa team also offers an online LIVE Training component. As part of the January 2025 training, local participants will gain expertise in bamboo stand management, biochar production, and methods to improve bamboo pole quality during module 1; and bamboo design, joinery and construction techniques for small buildings during module 2 (25 January – 8 February 2025). You can sign up for these online training sessions and lead-up talks through which the Bamboo 4 Africa training will be broadcast:

Expanding the Sister-Village Network and Building Resilience in Africa

The Bamboo 4 Africa program is part of a larger initiative, the Eco-Cultural Leader Network & Revivement Village Project, a climate adaptation network uniting village communities across Africa and Southeast Asia. In partnership with the Bamboo Resource Centre (Kenya) and One Buuri (Ghana), the project aims to develop Climate Adaptive Family Living Systems (CAFLS), enhancing resilience and self-sufficiency among rural communities. By fostering transparent labor practices, quality control standards, and sustainable bamboo export, we aspire to create a thriving network of regenerative villages centered on ecological harmony, local entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation.

The Revivement Village Project and Eco-Cultural Leaders Community Development Program go beyond physical infrastructure to create a vibrant, inclusive network where education, cooperation, and knowledge-sharing can flourish. This initiative provides a framework for meaningful cross-cultural exchange, welcoming members to actively contribute, learn, and grow within a supportive community that values integrity, inclusivity and sustainability.

A New Vision for Sustainable Development: Sister Villages for Global Impact

This network of sister villages is designed to counter historical inequities by empowering local communities to define their development on their terms, harmonizing traditional knowledge with modern technology. By aligning with Sustainable Development Goals 5, 8, 13, and 15, we aim to address issues of gender equality, economic opportunity, climate resilience, and biodiversity preservation. Through a holistic approach that includes practical training, technological support, community capacity building, and equitable resource-sharing, we hope to foster a network that thrives on mutual support and shared values.

Our collective efforts across the Revivement Village Network not only promote sustainable community growth but also enable these villages to function as models for ecological living, providing inspiration and practical solutions that can be replicated worldwide. By enhancing the value of local skills, supporting economic empowerment, and celebrating cultural heritage, we envision a future where communities are active participants in their sustainable development, free from dependency on external aid and corporate interests.

Get Involved: Sign Up for the Training Program

We invite individuals and businesses to join the Bamboo 4 Africa movement by sponsoring or participating in the training. The program offers opportunities for local African attendees, African businesses, and international participants to engage with our curriculum, which covers bamboo management, construction, and innovation in design.

For more information and to register, visit our website: Bamboo 4 Africa Training Info

Become Part of the Solution: Register Your Interest

Whether you’re interested in becoming a participant, a sponsor, or simply want to support our mission, the Bamboo 4 Africa program welcomes you to contribute to a future built on sustainable bamboo practices and regenerative community living. By uniting our efforts across continents, we are not only advancing bamboo utilization but also building a resilient network of villages where communities and ecosystems flourish in harmony.

The phase 2 and 3 program will incorporate a shorter version of the phase 1 course, and a bamboo Hyperboloid workshop area will be constructed for the following training modules of the program (Carpentry for small buildings and International Design and Building Collab program). Trainers from local polytechnics around Kenya will be invited to the training and our close work with Eduard Nyamde (Bamboo Resource Centre, Kenya) is connecting the program on a local educational and government level – as well as facilitating grant applications and providing a structured framework for our collaboration. Eduard’s vision of bamboo as a cultural bridge across Africa resonates deeply with our mission. Integrating traditional building methods from Kenya and Ghana with innovative hyperbolic structures could offer a fast, stable, and culturally relevant solution for the communities affected by climate change. We plan to explore this concept further during the January/February program.

Purchase your place on the Phase 2 Training Program:

We are excited about the potential of this program to make a significant impact in Kenya and other countries in Africa… Please visit this link to see the full program information:

Eco-Cultural Leader Network & Revivement Village Building

We are engaged in developing the Climate Adaptation Village Network with partners Bamboo ​Resource Centre (Kenya) and One Buuri (Ghana) to facilitate and grow Climate Adaptive Family ​Living Systems (CAFLS). This initiative involves collaborating with local aggregators to ensure ​transparency and fair labor practices and quality control standards within the bamboo export ​sector’s development and bringing people together to form sustainable partnerships.

The Revivement Village Project and Eco-Cultural Leaders Community Development Program is an initiative not merely about constructing physical infrastructure, but about fostering a sense of belonging, learning, and cooperation among members. The emphasis on welcoming, educating, and sharing experiences underscored by our commitment to inclusivity and knowledge exchange; laying the groundwork for a truly thriving community-village network between countries and peoples. Our fundamental desire/intention is to assist in the development of sustainable, self-sufficient and dynamic communities encompassing ecological education, training in bamboo building, and integration of traditional skills with modern technologies. We aim to

This approach aims to promote ecological sustainability, local entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, and greater equity. By fostering a network of sister-village projects, the goal is to counter historical unfairness and empower communities while aligning with Sustainable Development Goals 5, 8, 13 & 15. This includes training, technology implementation, commercial engagement, and community capacity building to further propagate sustainable community development participatively, thereby giving opportunity to re-imagine the role of “benefactors/beneficiaries” – harnessing interventions and innovations where economic influences and social forces combine. The intended outcomes encompass improved living standards, a strengthened global network, increased self-sufficiency, and greater equity – reflecting the true value of labour and promoting community growth by facilitating local financial support through the creation of assets.

You can register your interest in attending or sponsoring the training here: