Research Team : J. O. Amponsah, Dr. Prosper Mensah, Prof. Daniel Ofori, Mr. Isaac Boahen, Mr Samuel Atusong, Prof Emmanuel Opuni Frimpong

Donor: Ghana Skills Development Fund (GSDF), TVET

Collaborating Institution(s):

Ghana, National Association of Bamboo and Rattan Artisans of Ghana (NABRAG)

Status: 

Background:

Bamboo is an important natural resource sustaining the livelihood millions of people in several countries. Efficient utilisation of bamboo resources will no doubt create jobs and support economic growth. Building the capacities and competencies of Artisans and Craftsmen of the Bamboo industry, stands to reduce over-reliance on Ghana’s declining timber resources, create jobs and conserve the environment.

Objectives:

This project is aimed at upgrading the competencies and skills sets of Bamboo Artisans workforce in Ghana. Specific Objectives are to:

• establish a Bamboo Artefact Production and Training Centre (BAP-TC) at the CSIR-Forestry Research Institute of Ghana in Kumasi
• undertake the systematic training of at least 300 Artisans, Craftsmen, students and youth groups in bamboo artifact production within the project period
• position the BAP-TC as a centre for competency-based training in the bamboo Artefact industry in Ghana.

Key project outputs:

• Refurbishment of the old Engineering block at CSIR-FORIG to the new BAP-TC Training Centre
• A comprehensive Training Needs Assessment of the Bamboo Artisan Industry in Ghana undertaken
• Training Curriculum developed and reviewed.
• Procurement of state-of-of the art equipment for artifacts production and training.
• Establishment of an exhibition Centre for Bamboo Artefact in Ghana at the BAP-TC