Unlocking the potential of bamboo entrepreneurs: Characteristics, innovations, and economic performance in Tanzania's Southern Highlands

Abstract

This study focuses on bamboo entrepreneurship in Tanzania's Southern Highlands, where bamboo is a significant non-timber forest product (NTFP) offering employment opportunities in raw material collection, processing, and marketing. Bamboo possesses unique mechanical and chemical qualities that attract various enterprises, leading to eco-innovations that improve eco-efficiency and contribute to the circular economy. Despite its global significance, bamboo resources in Tanzania have received limited research attention, and the potential for innovation remains underrecognized. Thus, the study aimed to explore the characteristics, performance, and innovation propensity of bamboo entrepreneurs in the region and identify factors influencing their innovativeness. Using systematic random sampling with proportional allocation, households involved in bamboo value chains were selected for the study. Findings from the study indicated that traditional knowledge and individual ideas were the primary sources of innovation, contributing 42.27% and 30.28%, respectively. Local competitors played a significant role as well, contributing 10% to the innovation process, while other sources such as the internet, mass media, and expert advice had minimal influence (each less than 10%). Furthermore, the study highlighted that the location of raw material supply significantly impacted the economic performance of bamboo entrepreneurs. Factors such as short distance (79.63%), cost-effectiveness (75.93%), and large culm size (37.04%) were crucial considerations in this regard. Additionally, aesthetic appeal (34.0%) and adherence to tradition (33.33%) were found to be relevant factors influencing their innovativeness. In conclusion, bamboo resources hold immense potential for elevating living standards and contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals in Tanzania's Southern Highlands.