By Umar Nsubuga
When Naswirah Nalukwago, a resident of Kitooma village in Isingiro district first started growing bamboo, it was largely experimental.
She had heard about its versatility and fast-growing nature but didn’t know if it would thrive in her region.
Now, several years into her bamboo farming journey, she’s reaping significant rewards.
“Bamboo grows very quickly, so within just a couple of years, you can start harvesting,” she explains.
She say, “unlike other trees that take decades to mature, bamboo is ready within three to five years.”
Her bamboo farm now provides a steady income, which has helped her support her family and invest in her children’s education.
According to Nalukwago, bamboo’s fast growth and high demand in various industries make it an ideal crop for small farmers.
“I can sell bamboo poles to builders, furniture makers, and even artisans who use them to create handicrafts. The demand is constantly growing,” she says.
Beyond the financial benefits, bamboo is known for its environmental advantages, something that Nalukwago values greatly.
“Bamboo is like nature’s air purifier,” she says.
As a sustainable crop, bamboo absorbs more carbon dioxide and releases more oxygen than most other plants, contributing to cleaner air. This characteristic makes it highly attractive in today’s climate-conscious world.
Nalukwago also notes that bamboo has a low environmental impact because it requires little water to grow and doesn’t need pesticides or fertilisers.
“Once you plant it, bamboo can thrive with minimal care, making it a practical and eco-friendly choice,” she says.
Unlike other plants that deplete the soil, bamboo’s extensive root system helps prevent soil erosion, something particularly valuable in areas prone to heavy rains.
One of the reasons Nalukwago ventured into bamboo farming was the range of products she could make from it. Bamboo is an incredibly versatile plant used in construction, making furniture, paper, flooring, and even fabric.
“In my village, we use bamboo for everything from fencing to roofing. It’s strong, durable, and affordable,” she shares.
Nalukwago has learned to make simple bamboo furniture and decorative pieces, which she sells at local markets.
She explains that the global market for bamboo products is booming, driven by a shift towards sustainable materials.
“People want eco-friendly products, and bamboo fits perfectly into that demand. Builders, especially, are turning to bamboo as a cheaper and more sustainable alternative to timber,” she says.
With more people becoming environmentally conscious, bamboo farmers like Nalukwago are finding more opportunities to profit from their crops.
Nalukwago’s bamboo farm doesn’t only benefit her family; it’s also an asset to her community. As her farm has grown, she’s been able to employ local workers, creating much-needed jobs in her area.
“I can’t manage the entire farm by myself, so I’ve hired people to help with planting, harvesting, and making bamboo products,” she explains.
Moreover, she’s begun teaching younger villagers how to work with bamboo, giving them skills that can generate income.
“Many young people come to me eager to learn how to make furniture or simple crafts with bamboo. It’s inspiring to see them creating something useful and finding ways to make a living,” Nalukwago says.
In a region where job opportunities are scarce, her bamboo farm is helping to equip young people with valuable skills and boosting the local economy.
For aspiring farmers, Nalukwago emphasizes that bamboo is low-maintenance compared to other crops.
“Once established, bamboo grows on its own, and you don’t need to constantly water or fertilise it,” she explains.
The ease of managing bamboo allows her to focus on other ventures, making it ideal for small-scale farmers looking to diversify their income streams. This low-maintenance aspect is particularly helpful during dry seasons when water is limited.
Nalukwago encourages other Ugandans to explore bamboo farming, especially those with unused land or struggling to grow traditional crops.
“Start small and learn as you go,” she advises.
“Bamboo doesn’t need much to get started, just a small patch of land and patience,” she says.
She suggests that farmers consider partnering with cooperatives or local markets to find buyers, as this can make it easier to establish a stable income.
