INTERNATIONAL NETWORK FOR BAMBOO AND RATTAN
(INBAR)

TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY MODEL
(TOTEM)

COMMUNITY BAMBOO NURSERY

by
Carmelita B. Bersalona
InHand Abra Foundation,
Zone 1, Bangued,
Abra,
Philippines

CONTENTS
TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY MODELS (TOTEMs)

3

COMMUNITY BAMBOO NURSERY AT-A-GLANCE

5

PART ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Introduction
General development attributes and advantages
Suitable agro-ecological regions
Target groups
Benefits
Limitations of the technology
Requirements for success

Concluding remarks

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8
8
8
8
9

PART TWO: THE COMMUNITY BAMBOO NURSERY
1. Introduction
2. Establishment and management of the nursery
2.1 Propagation technologies
2.1.1 The Caasi process
2.1.2 Mass propagation and production by the incubation method
2.1.3 Plantation establishment and maintenance
2.2 Clonal propagation of giant bamboo
2.3 Propagation by single node culm cuttings

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12
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12
13
15
16
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3. Comprehensive input requirements
4. Implementation - The transfer of technology model
4.1 Objectives
4.2 Framework
4.3 Planning activities
4.4 Financial control model

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Appendix I: Examples of community bamboo nurseries in the Philippines
Appendix II: Costs and returns analysis
The seven day consultation workshop
Propagation flow chart
Nursery flow chart
Process sheet (Branch cuttings method)
Branch cutting seedlings costs and returns analysis
Investment costs for 20, 000 seedlings
Cash flow

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Transfer of Technology Model: Community Bamboo Nurseries

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TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY MODELS (TOTEMS)
Transfer of Technology Models (TOTEMs) are focussed educational tools providing relevant
information and distance training on one specific area of bamboo/rattan management, processing
or utilization. They are a means of technology transfer between similar regions throughout the
world, with the emphasis on South-South transfer for livelihood development. They enable those
involved in the management and use of bamboo and rattan resources to more efficiently and
effectively develop and use skills relating to these resources.
TOTEMs are primarily intended as practical information resources and teaching aids for those at
the local extension level in their communities, who can utilize them to assist local community
development. Each TOTEM consists of a detailed written report of the technology, a PowerPoint
presentation, a film, and, where relevant, a set of technical photographs. They also include
information on target users, financial analyses of sample set-ups from the partner country
preparing the report and information on where to source particular technologies (such as
equipment). The TOTEM thus provides all the information required for establishing similar
technologies within interested countries and regions.
•

The report contains all the technical details of the particular processes involved, as well as
other relevant information for establishing the technology such as costs of business
establishment, running costs and cash flows.

•

The PowerPoint presentation contains details of the relevant technologies and their
applications, and is intended to provide an overview of the potential of the technology for
development.

•

The film provides a visual guide to the processes involved and helps to bring them alive in
the minds of the learners.

The different parts of the TOTEM are targeted at slightly different audiences, via the local
extension workers. The report and film are intended to be the main means of extension to the
individuals and communities who will implement the technology and who will directly benefit
from it. The PowerPoint presentation is primarily intended as a tool for the extension worker to
sell the technology and its role in development to those who provide the infrastructural, policy
and financial support for its implementation, such as government departments, donors and NGOs.
There is considerable flexibility, however. Local extension workers will be able to incorporate the
TOTEMs in their own work as they wish and adapt and develop the TOTEM to suit their
particular requirements and conditions.
This TOTEM on community bamboo nurseries has been produced by Carmelita B. Bersalona at
the InHand Abra Foundation, Abra, Philippines. It may be used alone, or in conjunction with the
TOTEMs on the medium and large-scale bamboo plantation, bamboo shoots production, the
homestead bamboo plantation and the smallholder bamboo plantation.
The report part of this TOTEM describes the technology for producing and establishing a
community bamboo nursery for rural development in regions where bamboo is available as a raw

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material. It is intended to be used in conjunction with the illustrative film included in this
TOTEM package
The first part of the report introduces the technology, discusses its history, its development
attributes, its benefits and it’s applicability. This part also includes examples of community
nurseries in the Philippines and the lessons learned from their experiences. The second part of the
report provides detailed information on the horticultural and financial aspects of establishing a
community nursery and includes a model of a nursery with detailed instructions on how to
establish it. Appendix I illustrates examples of community bamboo nurseries in the Philippines.
Appendix II provides full financial analyses for establishing and running a community bamboo
nursery.

This TOTEM is one of the first to be produced by INBAR/ InHand Abra and your feedback is
most welcome - kindly contact INBAR or InHand Abra with your comments or suggestions.
© International Network for Bamboo and Rattan 2001

Note 1: This TOTEM has been edited and adapted at INBAR and differs slightly from the form in which it
was received from the author.
Note 2: All calculations in this TOTEM are in Pesos. At the time of writing 40 Pesos = USD$ 1.

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Transfer of Technology Model: Community Bamboo Nurseries

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COMMUNITY BAMBOO NURSERIES AT-A-GLANCE
What are Community Bamboo Nurseries?
A community bamboo nursery is a cooperative venture between community members
who all play a part in running it and all benefit from it. As a larger unit than would be
feasible at the individual level, the unit has more leverage in accessing inputs and selling
its outputs. Collective facilities can be established for the benefit of all, such as central
propagation facilities, advisers and machinery.

What is the market for the bamboos they produce?
The market for bamboo plants varies considerably with location. Bamboo cultivation is
being promoted throughout the bamboo growing regions of the world and is ever
increasing. Locally, an investigation into the potential market would be beneficial and
continuous feedback is necessary to ensure the unit is able to adapt and develop to suit
market requirements.

What is the role of a community bamboo nursery in rural
development?
The community bamboo nursery fulfills two important roles. Firstly it enhances the
livelihoods of poor, rural farmers and does so by drawing upon their own inherent plant
cultivation skills. The community nature of the unit will empower each worker with a
voice and a role in its running. Secondly it promotes environmental protection, especially
if established on degraded lands. Bamboos can be intercropped with other food plants,
and so it also helps to improve food security.

How do I establish a community bamboo nursery?
There are eight steps: 1) create a blueprint, 2) develop a strategy, 3) design or define a
bamboo technology that accords with market requirements, 4) institute a staged process
of development, 5) form support groups and production teams, 6) Monitor progress and
returns to facilitate continuous improvement to assure sustainability, 7) establish a system
of rewards, 8) Infuse team values of commitment to customer requirements, commitment
to excel, teamwork, trust, respect for the individual, and continuous improvement.

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PART ONE

INTRODUCTION

DEVELOPMENT ATTRIBUTES, TARGET GROUPS and
BENEFITS of
COMMUNITY BAMBOO NURSERIES

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1.

Introduction

Bamboo farming and bamboo processing are well suited to the twin concerns of
livelihood enhancement and environmental protection - the key components for
developing third world countries today. Bamboo is ideal for massive rehabilitation of
degraded areas. It is superior to trees in grassland areas and capable of polycyclic
harvesting with natural capacity to regenerate through its rhizomes. It has an interlocking
root system that can inhibit soil erosion. It is tough and adapts to harsh environments. In
the Philippines, it is the most frequently utilized material - from food to housing
components. The production of these products can be organized and formed as industries
that provide material benefits and livelihood development to the people.
In terms of rural development the community is an extremely important and powerful
resource. The collective skills and abilities within any community can often be harnessed
to produce an organisation far stronger and adaptable than the sum of its individual parts.
Establishing a bamboo nursery under the auspices of, owned by, and with inputs from the
whole community, has been shown to be a highly successful means of fuelling rural
development in bamboo growing areas in the Philippines. This TOTEM explains the
Philippines experience (see Appendix I) and uses it to develop a model suitable for wider
implementation in interested countries and regions throughout the globe.

2.

General development attributes and advantages

The main development attributes of the technology are as follows:
•
•
•
•

Rehabilitation of degraded or unproductive lands.
Increasing individuals incomes and skills.
Increasing community welfare.
Empowerment of individuals and communities

The main advantages of the technology are:
•
•
•

3.

Builds on farmers inherent abilities and is easy for them to adopt
Promotes the wider use of bamboo as a renewable natural resource
Requires inputs from a range of people with different abilities in the community

Suitable agro-ecological regions

Community bamboo nurseries are suitable for all bamboo-growing regions of the world.
They are particularly suited to tropical and subtropical regions where larger-culmed
species grow well, because many of these can be used for a wide range of different uses
and the market for the young plants produced by the nursery will be larger. On the
margins of the bamboo growing regions the bamboos are smaller species that may have
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indigenous uses, but are not as likely to have the widespread applicability that would be
needed for a truly sustainable, and adaptable, enterprise. The nursery is well suited to
areas where shifting cultivation has left land degraded and unproductive, and where soil
erosion is a problem. Bamboos are excellent for stabilising soil on hillslopes, riverbanks
and areas prone to minor flooding.

4.

Target groups

The main target groups are the poor rural farmers and other members of the community
who will be involved in the nursery. The nursery will require the skills of farmers,
transporters, people experienced in marketing and in management and will encompass a
wide range of the community members. Cultivating bamboo is gender sensitive.

5.

Benefits

The benefits to the community are enormous. The nursery will create sustainable livelihoods
for many members of the community and bring them increased prosperity. A successful
venture should encourage more and more community members to participate and may even
result in neighbouring communities following suit. Increased productivity of the
community’s land will result if the nursery can be established on presently unused land.
Bamboos can be intercropped with a wide range of food crop plants and so the food security
of the community will increase. The nursery inherently builds on the plant cultivation skills
and capacities of farmers and is easily adopted.

6.

Limitations of the technology

The major problems with a community bamboo nursery are that its success is heavily
dependent on market demand for the product. As well as ensuring good market
information and quality control of the plants, it may be appropriate to cultivate a range of
different bamboo species that have different end users to reduce the risk of market
difficulties.

7.

Requirement for success

The essential requirements for a successful community bamboo nursery are:
•
•
•
•
•

Community with land available for bamboo cultivation
Some pioneering members of the community willing to participate
Access to expert advice and assistance for start-up
Small amount of start-up capital
Establishment of a community business infrastructure

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Concluding remarks
There are many benefits to be derived from a well-run community bamboo nursery.
There are many opportunities for community and individual development and the nursery
will also provide many environmental benefits. However the overwhelming importance
of developing a secure market for the young plants cannot be underestimated. In order to
do this it may be beneficial to establish the nursery with the assistance of state agencies
or NGOs to ensure the forward linkages are in place.

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PART TWO
THE COMMUNITY BAMBOO NURSERY

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1.

Introduction

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) funded the Bamboo Research and
Development Project for the Philippines in 1987 with the aim of assisting the Philippine
government in creating new sources of employment and income levels, particularly in the
rural areas. The implementing agency was the Ecosystems Research and Development
Bureau (ERDB), while the executing agency was the Food and Agriculture Organization
(FAO). Heading the list of research projects was bamboo propagation and nursery
techniques for large-scale development of new bamboo plantations. In 1994,
ERDB/FAO/UNDP described three methods of bamboo vegetative propagation as (1)
clump division, (2) culm cutting, (3) branch cutting.
In the Philippines, the one node culm cutting method is the most widely used system of
propagating common commercial species such as Kawayan tinik (Bambusa blumeana),
bayog, (Bambusa spp.), laak (Sphaerobambos philippinensis) and kayali (Gigantochloa
atter). There are some procedural variations as found practical and effective by individual
propagators like Merdonio Jose Caasi and Ernesto Rey Millan of Tagum, Davao, and
Stanley Malab of the Ilocos Region. This particular method is within the reach of small
bamboo growers.
Branch cuttings have been transferred and employed in several communities for
propagation of giant bamboo - Dendrocalamus asper, by Francisco Binoya Jr. of Pototan,
Iloilo and Myrna Decipulo of Malaybalay, Bukidnon. This method also employs using a
technique called airponics that accelerates the growth of plants in an oxygen-rich
environment without using soil. It has been used extensively by Germinio Maravilla, an
entrepreneur in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, in the propagation of giant bamboo Dendrocalamus
asper in which the plant root zone is suspended in a growing chamber and intermittently
pulse-misted with nutrient solution.
Finally the mini clump division method is within reach of entrepreneurs and
industrialists. This uses tissue culture-derived plantlets developed by Alfine Zamora and
S. Gruezo of the University of the Philippines Institute of Plant Breeding from 1991-94,
with funding from the Department of Science and Technology. Dendrocalamus strictus
and Schizostachyum lumampao were successfully produced and planted in Bataan using
this technique.
In order to involve more people in bamboo propagation for environmental protection and
livelihood development, farmers were organized into cooperatives like the Davao
Bamboo Development Cooperative in Tagum, Davao; the TABARGA (Taminia Bamboo
& Rattan Growers Association) Multipurpose Cooperative in Duenas, Iloilo; and the
Dariwdiw Bamboocraft Association in Batac, Ilocos. The experiences of establishing
these cooperatives are discussed below as a basis for developing a model for the transfer
of bamboo nursery technology to other communities.

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2.

Establishment and management of the nursery

2.1 Propagation Technologies
Three of the most commonly used technologies in the three major islands of the
Philippines (Mindanao, Visayas, Luzon) for bamboo propagation and
nursery
establishment are discussed here:
a. The Caasi process uses single node culm cuttings and an incubation method and was
established in 1987 through the private initiative of Merdonio Jose Caasi, his son and
two other farmers. This was successful in making possible large-scale bamboo
propagation for the establishment of bamboo plantations in degraded areas of Davao
to produce propping materials for the banana industry .
b. Clonal bamboo propagation established through the research of N. Gigare, A.
Repospolo, and F. Binoya Jr.- This is used for the propagation of giant bamboo,
Dendrocalamus asper in Pototan, Iloilo and Malaybalay, Bukidnon.
c. Single node culm cuttings refined through research by Dr. Stanley Malab et al, and
used for the propagation of Bambusa in the Ilocos Region. This method is similar to
the Caasi process.
2.1.1 The Caasi Process
The Caasi Process has been successfully used in the mass propagation of laak,
Sphaerobambos philippinensis, and kayali, Gigantochloa atter, in Davao (Mindanao) and
Laguna (Luzon). Other species successfully mass propagated using this method are
Bambusa, Dendrocalamus and Gigantochloa. The research team experimented for
several years with each part of the bamboo clump that had rooting potentials. In 1987
they found that cuttings from a culm approximately 15 to 24 months old had the highest
survival rate. However, the age of the culm was only the first guide and did not guarantee
that it was the right material for plant propagation. The next step was to choose culms
with two-node side branches. With additional discoveries such as the effect of rooting
hormones and incubation beds, the technology for mass propagation of planting materials
was made available A total of 3000 hectares were planted on farms in Davao ranging
from 1 to 5 hectares in size. Individual farmer entrepreneurs like Caasi and Millan sold
525, 000 and 83,000 plantlets respectively to government agencies for reforestation
between the period of 1989-1994. Today, Caasi has 108 hectares of bamboo plantation
while Millan has 100 hectares from where he now harvests 10, 000 laak poles daily and
2, 500 poles of other varieties. These individuals continue to advocate to farmers that
bamboo is a worthwhile investment.

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2.1.2 Mass Propagation and Production by the Incubation Method
A. Preparation of Planting Stock
Collection and Preparation of bamboo culm cuttings for propagation:
• One to two year old bamboo culms from 3 year old clumps are selected .and
marked.
Selection tips:
•

•

Six to eight month-old culms can already be used provided that they are
planted immediately in polybags without the incubation process (see later).
Six to eight month old culms are characterized by their newly emerging roots
at the node and their dry and intact sheaths that are about to fall naturally.
One to two year-old culms are characterized by short dried protruding roots at
the node with a very hard bud at the base of the internode and in most cases
the sheaths are already detached.

B. Harvesting and Preparation of Bamboo Culms
•
•
•
•

Selected bamboo culms are cut close to the ground.
They are prepared by removing all except one of the nodal branches.
The culms are hauled to a designated cutting area where a big drum
containing the treatment solution is located.
The culms are cut 5 cm above and below the nodes using a sharp machete
(bolo) for the Bambusa species and a sharp fine saw for Gigantochloa and
Dendrocalamus species to avoid splitting the culm.

C. Treatment & Incubation of Bamboo Culms
•

•
•

(Day 1) Construct an incubation bed or mist bed 1 m wide, 8-10 cm high with
damp, but not saturated, dark washed river sand that has been cleaned of silt,
dirt and leaves. The bed should be raised 15-20 cm above the ground. Saturate
the bed with 1:4 CAPTAN solution. The key ingredients are trace minerals,
growth hormones, and NPK fertilizer. The fertilizer alone is not adequate to
supply the nutritional requirements essential to propagation success. Leave the
bed to dry for one day.
Sterilize the cuttings by soaking in a 1:4 Hexaplus Foliar: Water solution in
large 5 gallon containers. Young one year-old cuttings are soaked for 24 hours
while two to three year-old cuttings are soaked for 48 hours.
(Day 2) Lay out the cuttings on the incubation bed. Scoop the sand across the
bed and slant the cuttings at a 300 angle and spaced 2.5 cm apart so the nodal
branches can overlap. Cover the cuttings with sand making sure that the nodes
are fully covered. When the incubation bed is full, saturate the whole bed with
1:4 Hexaplus solution. Cover the whole area with transparent plastic, securing
all sides with weights such as wood slabs or stones.

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•
•

•

(Days 3, 8, 13, 18) Spray with Hexaplus solution but do not water the
incubation beds.
(Days 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21) Water the plants to keep them
moist - do not saturate. Apply pesticides only when necessary in cases of
insect and disease attack. Check the cuttings every day for possible problems
and keep the plastic sheet in place between waterings.
(Day 21) Transplant rooted cuttings to one-gallon polyethylene bags.

D. Preparation of Polyethylene Bags and Soil Medium for Bagging
•
•
•

Use 23 cm x 23cm bags or one gallon polybags for 4 cm to 7 cm diameter
cutting material.
Punch at least eight drainage holes in the bases of the bags.
Prepare soil medium consisting of 1:4 coir/sawdust: clay soil or 1:5
coir/sawdust : Laguna sandy soil.
The most important consideration is to make the soil medium porous, so use a
good sandy loam or other soil mixture with a high humus or organic content.
Once mixed, the soil medium should be exposed to the sun and air for about
two weeks before filling polybags. Allow the polybags to sit in the sunshine
for another two weeks. This preparation time gives the soil elements a chance
to mix well. During the rainy season this process should be done in sheltered
places and only place the bags outside when the sun is shining.

E. Potting of Bamboo Culm Cuttings
•
•

•
•

Prior to bagging, sterilize the soil by making a hole in the center (4cm in dia)
and saturating it with 1:4 CAPTAN solution or exposing the bags to the sun
for several days.
(Day 21) Carefully uproot the cuttings from the incubation bed and slowly
insert the cuttings in the prepared bags. Make sure the roots are given
adequate soil contact and not damaged through abrasion by the soil mixture.
Firmly tap the soil around each cutting.
(Day 22). Saturate each polybag with Hexaplus 1:4 solution. Check for
effective drainage. Observe carefully for any signs of mould or fungal growth.
When applying Hexaplus solution, do not water the following day.

F. (Day 24-41) Care and Maintenance of the Growing Potted Culm Cuttings
•
•

Keep moist but not saturated.
On day 42, fertilize the cuttings with 14-14-14-11s (N:P:K:S) fertilizer placed
into two holes made in the soil. Water immediately. Keep the soil moist but
not saturated.

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G. Hardening of the Established Cuttings
•
•

Initial hardening begins at 42 days by cutting off 50% of the leaves in the
nursery shed. This allows more direct sunlight to be absorbed by the plant and
more vegetative growth to be induced.
If the planting materials are not yet distributed and are more than 60 days old,
apply fertilizer at the rate of 1 teaspoon per pot sprinkled around the plant.

H. Dispersal of Planting Materials (from nursery to the field)
•

•

When loading planting materials onto vehicles handle the plant by holding the
bottom of the bag and never by holding directly onto the plant. To maximize
space in the vehicle the plants should be laid on top of each other up to 6
layers deep. The plants should then be covered and transported in the evening
to help retain moisture.
During long periods of transport the plants will be under stress conditions.
Each evening carefully unload the plants, arrange them in groups of ten under
complete shade and leave them overnight. The following day, the plants are
fertilized (one tablespoon per pot) and watered.

2.1.3 Plantation Establishment and Maintenance
A. Selection
It is best to plant nursery-produced bamboos along riverbanks in flood plains so
that shoots can be harvested all year round, and to ensure an evergreen plantation
from which to propagate further.
B. Preparation of Planting Area
•
•
•

Clearing and cutting - Line brushing of at least 2 meters wide felling off trees
or saplings in the area . Ploughing the area is also done to raise cash crops for
the first eight months in order to defray expenses.
Marking - Use bamboo stakes for marking planting locations at equal
distances apart.
Direction of planting - Plants should be planted along an east-west axis in
order to maximise interception of sunlight. A one metre radius around the
plant should be kept weed free at least one meter around the stick and raise a
small circular ring of soil at least 50 cm from the centre to form a watering
pond.

C. Transplanting of Potted Bamboo Cuttings
•

Prior to planting immerse the plant in a bucket of water until bubbles stop
emerging from the compost in order to kill insects and soften the root system.

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•
•
•
•
•

Remove the polybag carefully so as not to damage the root system
Apply 5 teaspoons of complete fertilizer (14-14-14-11s) in the bottom of the
planting hole as base fertilizer and cover with at least 5 cm of topsoil before
planting the bamboo.
Cover the plant up to the same level it was in the polybag, water it in with at
least 1 liter of water and then slightly compress the soil so that the root system
is firmed in the soil.
Around the 50 cm ring, apply the same quantity of basal fertiliser (5
teaspoons) then lightly work the fertilizer into the surface layers of the soil.
Mulch the plant with rice straw, cogon or other natural mulching material.

D. Care and Maintenance
•
•
•
•

•

After the whole area has been planted, check that all the plants were properly
planted.
After 3 - 4 weeks check for damage by stray animals or pest and diseases.
Weeding may be necessary after inspection.
If possible, construct fences or fire breaks around the perimeter of the
plantation. Three rows of banana or cassava may be planted in between
clumps for additional income.
After 2 months, ring weed by cultivating at least 20 cm along the previous
ring of 50 cm. Fertilize with 5 teaspoonfuls of 14-14-14-11s, cover with the
surrounding soil and then replace the mulch. Repeat the procedure 3 to 4
months later.
Twelve months later, conduct complete brushing and thinning of the culms.
Apply 20 teaspoons of fertilizer around each clump. Fertilize only when
clump growth is poor. Mulch the clump using the cleared weeds.

2.2 Clonal propagation of Giant bamboo by N. Gigare, A. Repospolo and F Binoya,
Jr.
This process has been successfully used to propagate giant bamboo, Dendrocalamus
asper in Malaybalay, Bukidnon; Leyte; Taminla, and Duenas, Iloilo; Samar; Los Banos,
Laguna and Baguio City since 1991. The clonal propagation technique utilizes Vermi
(African crawlers) Composting Technology which produces compost as an additional
medium for potting and which generates additional income through the sale of both the
compost and the Vermi African crawlers at USD 0.06 per kilo and USD 6.25 per kilo
respectively.
Binoya Jr. of Iloilo and Decipulo of Bukidnon have propagated 10, 000 and 20, 000
seedlings respectively for sale to government agencies and business enterprises for
reforestation and plantation establishment. There are now a total of 150 - 200 hectares of
giant bamboo plantations all over the country.

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Despite the availability of the technology, the reason for its lack of application amongst
more farmers is lack of information. To promote the technology further, investigations
must be conducted into production and processing, as well as the market, to complete the
whole business cycle.
A. Selection/Collection of Planting Stock
•
•
•
•

Select branches from a good mother clump 15 years of age, which is subjected
to regulated harvesting and has about 15-18 remaining culms..
Select culms between one and a half to two years old. One culm can yield 1015 propagules.
Collect propagules by climbing the culm and cut only using a sharp saw or
machete those branches that are bigger and are found on the upper portion of
the culm. Propagules should have at least two nodes with live buds.
Propagule/branch collection is best during harvesting of culms.

B. Transport of Collected Propagules
•
•
•
•

Immediately after collection, planting materials must be placed inside wet
sacks for ease of transport and protection from direct sunlight.
If the planting materials are to be transported long distances they must be
packed in boxes with wet sawdust and properly arranged to avoid dehydration,
which will cause low germination.
Haul the sacks of propagules from the harvesting area to the main road.
Transport propagules to nursery.

C. Planting Stock Preparation .
•
•

Soak the bottom of the branches in the mixture of 5-10% rooting hormone
(1 tbsp. of hormone: 1 liter of water) for at least 3-5 minutes.
Place the propagules in a clonal chamber (See below).

D. Clonal Propagation (chamber size: 1 x 5m can contain 1500 propagules)
•

•
•

•

The substrate in the clonal chamber is composed of
30 cm - 1st layer of washed stones
30 cm - 2nd layer of washed gravel
20 cm - 3rd layer of fine san
Pour 100 liters of boiling water into the chamber as a treatment before use.
Place the propagules inside the clonal chamber with the nodes completely
immersed in the sand. In the absence of the clonal chamber, place the potted
cuttings under the shade with 50-60% sunlight mulch with grasses and water
daily.
Leave the cuttings inside the chamber for 2 weeks, maintaining moisture by
watering early in the morning.

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•
•
•
•
•

Note that high soil moisture contents or over shading favour fungal infection.
Cover the clonal chamber leaving an opening that would maintain a
temperature of 350C. A 2.5 cm opening lowers the temperature by 20C
Ensure sunlight of at least 30-40% intensity reaches the clonal chamber.
The chamber is covered with plastic to maintain a high relative humidity
inside, which will hasten the growth of the root system.
Water daily during the dry season and every other day during the wet season.
Make sure the medium is dry before watering.

E. Care of Stock in the Nursery
•
•

•

Pot the sprouted propagules in a one-part sand to two parts compost mix in
plastic bags.
Place the potted stock under the shade. Use a net with half centimetre holes
and place leaves on top. One square metre will cover 100 seedlings. After the
first month remove leaves to allow 30% sunlight penetration. In the second
month increase sunlight penetration to 50-70% and remove the net in the third
month.
Water the potted stock daily at a rate of 5 litres per 100 seedlings. Reduce
watering to 2-3 times weekly as the hardening period approaches.

F. Hardening
•

The plantlets must be hardened off after they have developed leaves and root
systems and before planting in the field. Keep for at least one month before
planting out.

2.3 Propagation by single node culm cuttings by S.C. Malab, J.T. Agustin, S.Ma
Pablico, and L.G. Battad.
This process is the most commonly used in the Ilocos Region to propagate Bambusa. The
Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in Ilocos Norte has an on-going nursery
activity from which proceeds of sales are used to purchase equipment for the University.
A. Selection and Collection of Planting Stock
•
•
•
•

Select 2 to 3-year old culms from healthy clumps.
Select nodes with well-developed buds. These can be found in the basal,
middle, and on the top portions of the culm.
Cut 5-8cm below the node and 10 to 13 cm above the node. A sharp crosscut
saw or knife may be used for this purpose.
Cut-off unwanted shoots and branches with a sharp knife.

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B. Rooting
•
•

•

The cuttings can be planted directly in 18 x 18 cm x 28cm black plastic bags
provided sufficient water is available. Use a 2:1 mixture ratio of ordinary
garden soil and fine river sand as the potting medium.
An alternative is to set the cuttings in a misting bed. The misting bed is a
rooting bed enclosed with a single line of hollow blocks and filled with river
sand. The bed may be as large as 3 m x 5 m if many of cuttings are to be
propagated. Use fine river sand as the rooting medium.
Keep the misting bed moist everyday using a mist sprayer or sprinkler.

C. Potting
•
•
•

Transfer the rooted cuttings to black plastic bags within 20 to 25 days.
Fill plastic bags with ordinary garden soil mixed with sand in a 1:1 ratio.
Compost may be added at 0.5 ratio. Fill half of the plastic bag with the
mixture, plant the rooted cuttings and add compost until it is full.
Apply 20 g 14-14-14 NPK fertilizer per bag and water immediately.

D. Care & Maintenance of Stock in Nursery
•
•
•
•
•

Place potted plants under shade.
Water the plants regularly and apply fungicides to control the spread of
diseases.
Remove weeds that compete with the plants. Cut all roots extending beyond
the bottom of the bags as often as necessary to prevent permanent penetration
into the soil.
After two months, transfer the plants into the open to harden the newly
developed shoots by exposing them under the sun.
The plants should be ready for planting after 6 months.

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3. Comprehensive input requirements
Cost and Return Analysis for one-node cuttings technology (please note that all costs
have not been accounted for by each model as inputs -processes - outputs have not been
detailed).
Source:

CAASI

MILLIAN

MALAB

25.00

30.00

25.00

1.21
1.00
0.15

4.00
2.50
1.50

0.06

-

3.56
2.50
1.06
-

RETURNS
Price/seedling
COST per seedling
Planting Material
Propagules (poles)
transport
Preparation of cutting
Chemical treatment
Rooting
Incubation Process
Labor:
Planting
Watering
Material:
Chemical treatment
Water

0.858
-

Misting Bed

0.225
0.225
0.208
0.20

Potting
Labor:
Mixing and planting
Polybag holes
Arranging
Material:
Soil and coir dust
Fertilizer
Black plastic bag

1.945

4.50

3.62

1.00
0 .045

1.50

2.12

0.50

1.00

Maintenance
Labor
Watering
Weeding
Pruning roots
Materials:
Chemicals
Water

1.094

2.50

0.60

1.00
1.00

1.00
0.40

0.094
0.40

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Transfer of Technology Model: Community Bamboo Nurseries

1.00
0.25
1.25
5.00
5.00

0.50
20

Source:

CAASI

Delivery
Labor: loading
Misc. materials:
DIRECT COSTS
Labor
Material

MILLIAN

MALAB

0.75
0.50
0.25
5.107
2.095
3.012

INDIRECT COSTS
Supervision
Food allowance
Land lease

11.75
5.00
6.75

12.18
7.12
5.06

3.00
1.00
1.00
1.00

EQUIPMENT COST
Incubation Site (bed)
Implements

1.18
1.18

0.25
0.25

1.378
1.378

TOTAL COST
(Per seedling)

6.287

15.00

13.55

NET RETURN
(Per seedling)

18.713

15.00

11.45

THROUGHPUT
TIME

60 days

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150 days

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4.

Implementation - The Transfer of Technology Model

4.0 Proposed Transfer of Technology Model
4.1 Objectives
•

General Objective - the establishment of a sustainable community based bamboo
nursery enterprises.

•

Strategic Approach
•
•
•

Dovetail bamboo seedling development projects with community strategic plans.
Institute innovative approaches including the fusing of indigenous and
entrepreneurial practices for development of new products (bamboo utilization).
Institute the cornerstones for establishing successful sustainable bamboo
development programs/enterprises through the crafting of mutually supportive
and synergistic organizational structure:
Plan
1.
2.
3.

Creation of vision and blueprint.
Develop an innovative strategy.
Design a Bamboo Technology(and specific skills) portfolio
which dovetails with market requirements.
Define a Development Process

4.

Institute a staged development process that may be used for
bamboo or any project in the community.
Craft a Holistic Organization

5.
6.
7.
8.

Form Support Groups and Production teams
Measure progress and returns to facilitate/systematize
continuous improvement to assure sustainability.
Establish a system of rewards.
Infuse team values of: commitment to customer needs,
commitment to excel, teamwork, trust, respect for the
individual, and continuous improvement.

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4.2 Framework

INPUTS

THROUGHPUT

KNOW-HOW
*indigenous
knowledge
*technical expertise
*productivity
/innovation
skills
*management skills &
system of control
ORGANIZATION
*cross-section of,
expertise
perspective, and
experience

Community Appraisal
Market Assessment
Consultation & Planning Workshop:
dovetail with community strategic
direction , structure and resources:
Visioning /project roadmaps
Develop strategy
Design technology &
product portfolio
Design a staged development
process
Concept development
Business plan

*Local organizations
providing land , labor,
local management &
project champion

Design the training,
production & marketing
requirements
Craft a holistic organization
Support Groups
The Enterprise

*Support organizations
providing know- how,
training, resources,
credit assistance &
market
DISCIPLINE
*venue for repeated
practicing to
instill discipline
& habits

OUTPUT

Sustainable
Enterprise

Commercialize
Measure Progress & Returns
Support

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4.3 Planning Activities
A.

Project Area Assessment

Should cover: Physical and natural resources such as type of land and soil to be planted to
bamboo, source of water, accessibility; manpower resources and capabilities such as
indigenous practices utilized to propagate bamboo, land ownership, sharing systems
practiced, socio-economic profile of the community; government plans for the area, its
present structure, programs and resources that can be utilized for the project.
B.

Community Participation
•
•
•
•
•

C.

Assess the current situation and provide a clear definition of the problem.
Ask the "community" to envision their future.
Gather information relevant to project.
Sort the information into categories to identify the themes and issues to be
addressed in order to reach the future vision stated.
Share the results and offer hope for solutions to address needs in a 7-day
workshop.
Market Assessment

Establish customer requirements, product benefits, specifications, and scheduled
requirements.
D.

A 7 day Consultation and Planning Workshop

This will be held for the purposes of dovetailing with community strategic directions,
structures and resources. The planning group will represent the desires of the community
(Prepare questions to set participants' frame of mind before the workshop. Answers
should be prepared before the workshop to serve as excellent discussion starters at the
meeting.) - see appendix II: 2.0 for output requirements.
E.

Prepare a Business Plan

F.

Design

Establish training design, nursery design, test plan, qualification plan and marketing plan.
G.

Craft a Holistic Organization & Community Enterprise
1. Craft the Environment.
- Formation of support groups ( e.g. technical, market, credit assistance).
- Orientation/Team building/Values re-orientation.
- Install support mechanisms (e.g. infrastructure, policies).

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2. Craft the Enterprise.
Form the production teams -take enough time to determine the right mix of team
members, the appropriate team leader and the skills required of each. Forming,
motivating, leading, and rewarding these teams will be tantamount to success
-

Training:
• technical( e.g. bamboo propagation)
• management - production mgmt (INTACT: process>control>.improve)
• supervisory skills
• accounting
-

Infuse norms and values - four guiding principles support an innovative culture:
• Fairness.
• Freedom to grow.
• Making one's commitments and keeping them.
• Consultation with other team members prior to any actin that may adversely
affect the reputation or financial stability of the project/enterprise.

These values enable a team to work without a structure - making direct lines of
communication possible without any intermediary, commitment to task or function. By
creating norms and values that emphasize contributions of the entire team. A more
effective organization can be created than one merely tied together through a hierarchical
reporting relationships. As soon as these teams are pointed in the right direction through
an agreed-upon set of norms, values, and clearly defined team goals, they begin actively
to achieve them with the leader nurturing the group.
-

Pilot: • Contracts and Reward Systems in place.
• Systems and procedures in place.
• Qualification or improvement of processes.

- Scale up to a level where "bugs "can be seen and corrected.
- Commercialize
H.

Measuring Progress and Returns

Includes:
1. Project wide measures define the performance of resource investment efforts,
and resultant return of technologies (skills) introduced.
2. Team performance measures define how well the methods and systems affect
the financial returns of the enterprise.
3. Individual performance measures define the team member's contribution to the
enterprise.

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Support production, training and sales to satisfy customer needs -"whatever it takes".
Monitor the project for at least 12 months and evaluate potential changes and
improvements to be made.
4.4 Financial Control Model
The example here uses the branch cutting method data by M Decipulo and F. Binoya Jr.
to demonstrate the financial model utilizing the InHand method.
1. Make a process flow chart (Appendix II: 3.1) and layout (see Appendix II: 3.2).
2. Make a process sheet
(Appendix II: 3.3).

that shows all

material and labor standards being used

3. Check against a formula, that allows the enterprise to grow, to guide you if your
process and cost is efficient compared to the price acceptable to the market (Appendix
II: 3.4).
4. If costs are too high, return to the process sheet and force innovation on process
improvement to happen to lower costs. This is done in consultation with the people in the
front lines who know best how to do it.
5. Revise your process sheet and cost sheet until such time the percentages conform to the
formula. This is the key to sustainability (keep it dynamic). By making processes
efficient, using the price the market is willing to pay for the product as the target, the
process points to the needed technologies required without compromise to labor earnings
and allowing for capital build up, investments in research, development and marketing
which allows to enterprise to grow.
6. Make a cost sheet to itemize cost of direct materials and labor, overheads,
administrative expenses, interest expense, research and development (include training),
and marketing expenses.
7. Cost out investments (3-5 yrs): (Appendix II: 3.5) equipment/tools/jigs/land/buildings
8.Make a Cash flow projection for 5 years (Appendix II 3.6. See 3.7 for plantation
expenses).
9.Budget capital build up and shared returns to future investments for growth allowing
one to realize the goals mapped out in the initial blueprint or vision.

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APPENDICES

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Examples of community bamboo nurseries in the Philippines successes, failures and lessons learned
The Caasi Experience
In 1985, there was an acute shortage of propping materials for the banana plantations in
Davao. Merdonio Caasi, a former schoolteacher and municipal councilor, was then
involved in trucking and bamboo farming on leased lands for propping materials for the
banana industry. It was not possible to generate enough planting materials to meet the
demand. Several high-tech methods were tried to no avail and propagation remained
slow, tedious and costly. By 1987, through continuos experimentation, Caasi's eldest son
Jodel, together with two other farmers, Cervantes, and Lucas discovered that young
bamboo culms 1.5 to 2 years of age were the ideal material for vegetative propagation by
culm cutting for laak (Sphaerobambos philippinensis). As many as 6-8 cuttings could be
produced from one young culm, depending on the number and maturity of the branches
that had developed on the culm. With the introduction of rooting hormones and
incubation beds, propagules took only 2 months to root and could then be planted out on
a flat field. The mortality rate was also reduced to 10 per cent and then to almost zero
depending on the management practices.
Thus, massive production of propagules followed on Caasi's three farms. Together with
other participating farmers, the Caasis produced over 100,000 planting materials,
dispersed propagules to 231 farm families in 15 municipalities in Davao del Norte, and
successfully planted 250 hectares in one year.
With massive bamboo propagation technically possible, Caasi mobilized farmers and
explained to them the different factors involved in bamboo cultivation. He demonstrated
the planting out of the propagules and gave them the opportunity to try the technique
under his supervision.
Planting materials and fertilizers were distributed according to the farmer's need and
interest. In exchange, they had to return to Caasi six growing bamboo propagules or
bamboo poles once able to begin harvesting from their fields. Caasi guaranteed the
farmers purchase of any quantity of propagules and poles that they produced.
New groups were guided in terms of proper planting of seedlings. This was followed up
with occasional field inspections. After a year and a half, they began propagule
production under the supervision of experienced farmers. Once the expertise was
acquired, these farmers introduced the bamboo propagation techniques to other farmers in
the neighborhood. Thus the process of diffusion was accelerated.
To increase production Caasi mobilized village leaders to collect, stockpile and haul
propping materials. They recruited farmers interested in participating in the bamboo
planting. Caasi's private enterprise, SAWATA, took care of the hauling of propping
materials from the farms to the plantations. Further, Caasi mobilized landowners of idle
properties; he promised a percentage per pole for the land use. He also involved landless
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farmers to do slash-and-burn cultivation in the area as laborers and caretakers; he paid
one peso per pole for their labor. He also mobilized a finance consortium to provide
working capital.
In summary, Caasi developed a series of support structures to achieve his goals:
1) The involvement of SAWATA Enterprises enabled the small farmers to access
technical know how on bamboo propagation, obtain initial material inputs, facilities,
connections for marketing of produce, and transport services for their produce.
2) The mobilization of a small group of financiers to provide working capital.
3) The implementation of three types of management contracts negotiated by Caasi:
a. The lease contract between Caasi as manager and private or public landowners.
The contract for 25 years stipulates that in terms of rentals the owners will receive a
share of the earnings based on the number of propagules and bamboo poles produced.
The owner's share increases from 50 centavos per unit during the first five years to
one peso per unit for the last five years of the contract. The plantation is returned to
the owner at the end of 25 years. Landless farmers could involve themselves on the
basis of labor inputs.
b. A contract was adopted for the development of five hectares of bamboo plantation
initially to be utilized for the propagation of planting materials. The capital for the
development of the plantation was provided by the finance consortium as the fourth
party sharing.
c. The third contract was worked out between the Department of Agriculture (DA),
the farmers cooperatives and SAWATA for the development of one-hectare bamboo
nurseries in 15 municipalities in the province. Under this agreement, the DA would
pay SAWATA for the expenses incurred in developing the nurseries. A similar
contract was negotiated between the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) for the
CARP beneficiaries (beneficiaries of land).
The opportunities for development of a bamboo industry were tremendous because of the
needs of the flourishing banana industry at the time. Working capital was, however, the
biggest constraint. The Land Bank of the Philippines only dealt with large cooperative
federations to provide capital. Thus in February 1989, Caasi formed the Davao Bamboo
Development Cooperative (DBDCI) in order to be able to access funds. A series of
seminars on cooperative principles and procedures were conducted by the personnel of
the Department of Agriculture with 24 bamboo planters.
Cooperative chapters were then organized. Members had to comply with a number of
requirements before they could be accredited as fully pledged members of DBDCI. Their
attendance in seminars was one basis for the distribution of propagules. Every three
months, the farms were visited to check if the propagules were planted and were growing.
If the results were satisfactory, the farmers were provided with more seedlings upon their
request. By the time they had planted a minimum of one hectare, they would be accepted

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as a bonafide member of the cooperative. The cooperative facilitated the transfer of
technology, distribution of planting materials and the organizational process
While the cooperative was still building its capital base and strengthening its
organizational and technical skills, the threat from well financed trucking firms engaged
in the hauling of propping materials who dealt directly with banana plantations made it
even harder to build up capital and maintain cohesiveness within the organization. It was
tempting for individual farmers to sell directly to these buyers, bypassing the
cooperatives and avoiding the related deductions which contributed to their capital build
up.
By 1993, the world price for bananas had crashed leaving the bamboo industry without a
market for their produce. Industrialists looked into the possibilities of paper pulp
production using bamboo as one of the major raw materials, but there were not enough
bamboo stands to begin with and the prices offered to the farmers were half of what they
were used to. Meanwhile, loans had to be paid back - by farmer beneficiaries, the
cooperatives and management teams and the whole bamboo industry collapsed in Davao.
Though other products were looked into ( e.g. floor board, incense sticks, chop sticks),
the basic problem was that the farmers cooperatives were not well organized and the
price they wanted for their produce was too high for the quality of their produce
The TABARGA Experience
The Department of Natural Resources through its Ecosystems Research and Development
Service, Region VI, Iloilo City initiated the Research Development Project:
Demonstration and Pilot Application of Technology Packages and Production Systems
on Bamboo and Rattan. The R&D aspect of the project was spearheaded by Binoya Jr.
The project's objective was to transfer and commercialize technologies for the
propagation and utilization of bamboo and rattan via radiation for improved ecological
and livelihood security. The starting point was an area selected representing a lowland
community that is essentially a wasteland. The people were not skilled on ways to
rehabilitate or reclaim the area. Through the municipal mayor of Duenas, a ten-hectare
property was utilized as pilot area. The soil was generally silty loam, the climate - dry
from November to May and wet the rest of the year, the topography was flat to rolling in
character.
The TABARGA Multi-Purpose Cooperative was formed with 22 members - 68% who
were farm owners, and the remaining 32% who were laborers with an average annual
income of 9500 pesos. Ninety two percent of the beneficiaries were married with 6.7%
average household members. Of the beneficiaries, 40% had completed a primary level
education, 32% had finished the secondary level, and 28 % had graduated from technical
courses or obtained a Bachelor's degree.

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The project was implemented in 1994 through the DENR-ERDS as implementers, the
Municipality of Duenas as conduit implementers and the Association and individual
farmer cooperators as beneficiaries with a contract binding for a period of 20 years.
At the start of the project, a staff house was constructed in the area for the science
research specialists: a nursery lath house; and vermi-clonal chambers; and water pumps.
Twenty thousand rattan germinants were propagated by the beneficiaries and family
members. A total of twenty thousand rattan germinants and 408 bamboo propagules were
produced in the nursery in preparation for planting-out during the rainy season. A three
hectare rattan plantation and two-hectare bamboo plantation were established in the tenhectare project site. Nurse trees, Ipil-ipil and Acacia mangium, were planted 1 metres
away from the rattan. Two hectares of communal forest were established with the same
variety of trees and 2 hectare pili-nut trees. During the long gestation period of bamboo
and rattan, other livelihood components were implemented. Sericulture was introduced
after establishing a one-half hectare Mulberry nursery plantation. A cocoon rearing house
was also constructed. In addition, swine production, vegetable production and upgrading
the native chicken breed were started.
In terms of project implementation, in the first year, the management style was more
autocratic, in the second year it was more democratic and in the last year (the phase out
period of the scientists) a laissez-faire style was used to turn over smoothly the
cooperative transactions to the members. In terms of sharing the cooperative provides the
planting materials. When sold, the cost is deducted and the balance derived is divided in
two. Half is added to the farmer's capital share in the cooperative and half is remitted to
the farmer.
At present, the Cooperative has a Sari-sari store (convenience store). Rattan poles are
now 5-8 meters in length. The cooperative is worth 8 million pesos today including their
plantation.
The Dariwdiw Bamboo Craft Association Experience
Agricultural schools in the country have fourfold functions of instruction, research,
extension and production. They generate and promote technologies as well as provide
public services in response to various clientele. The Dariwdiw Association in Batac,
Ilocos Norte was the result of a bamboo project implemented by the Mariano Marcos
State University (MMSU) to promote knowledge of existing bamboo technologies stored
in the University. Dariwdiw was selected due to the bamboo stands that abound in the
community. It is basically a farming community settled along hillsides and around a lake.
The residents grow rice, garlic, tobacco, tomatoes, vegetables and fish.
The bamboo stand owners wanted to know how to increase the productivity of their old
bamboo clumps, control of rat infestation, and increase the present number of clumps.
They also wanted to be trained in the latest technologies for furniture making and acquire
the tools and machinery necessary for doing so. They also had a great need for marketing.

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The activities undertaken by the University were a series of training programs and study
tours. The cooperators were trained on-site in bamboo production including nursery
operation, plantation establishment, and old clump rehabilitation. One of the important
results was the learning of how to propagate bamboo planting materials using the onenode cutting technology, which was refined at the University. The cooperators were
taught the horseshoe and cross pattern techniques to rehabilitate their old bamboo
clumps. They made them realize that cleaning provides wider space enabling the
development of the shoots and reduction of damage caused by rats.
To prepare the cooperators for bamboo craft and furniture manufacture, the project staff
brought them to CITC to see different machinery and technologies available for the
processing of bamboo as well as recent designs of kawayan furniture and crafts. After the
field tour, the cooperators went through a series of training programs on bamboo
furniture manufacture at the Mariano Marcos State University Bamboo Training Center.
A 24 square meter training hall at the project site was built to house different tools given
to the cooperators. After training, the cooperators individually produced furniture.
However, with the lack of market, only a few continue to do so today.
Lessons Learned from the Three experiences shared
On the Technology
1. Branch cuttings are also used as propagules.
2. A rooting system through root hormones and misting is done before potting to
increase survival rate.
3. Other income can be generated simultaneously through vermi-culture composting
which are support systems to bamboo propagation.
4.
•
•
•
•
•

Standards arrived at for the one-node cuttings technology :
Bamboo propagation ratio : 2 culms gives an average of 3 new shoots
1-2 year old culms from three year old clumps are the best propagules
10 (S. philippinensis) to 15 (Bambusa) cuttings can be taken from one culm
The growth and pattern of a clump is shown below: (please note that the more one
cuts off the old culms , the better the growth rate of new culms)
Year
of Total culms per Culms cut for Culms
left
Harvest
clump
propagules
standing
Year 1
1-2 culms
Year 2
3 culms
3 culms
Year 3
5 culms
2 culms
3 culms
Year 4
7 culms
3 culms
4 culms

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Year 5
Year 6
Year 7
Year 8
•

4 culms
7culms
10 culms
15 culms

7 culms
10 culms
15 culms
22 culms

At 400 to 500 clumps per hectare, depending on the species, the number of cuttings
that can be cut for propagules annually is: (400 clumps/ha; at 10 cuttings/culm)
Year of
Harvest
3rd yr.

No. of culms harvested
for propagules

No. of cuttings generated
annually

2 culms

8,000 cuttings

4 yr.

3 culms

12,000 cuttings

5th yr

4 culms

16,000 cuttings

6th yr.

7 culms

28,000 cuttings

7th yr.

10 culms

40,000 cuttings

8 th yr

15 culms

60,000 cuttings

th

•

11 culms
17 culms
25 culms
37 culms

Land requirements for 60, 000 seedlings:
Nursery: 3000sq. m. of flat land for 10, 000 seedling capacity x 6 cycles (60 days/
cycle) = 60, 000 seedlings
Propagule plantation : 1 hectare for 60, 000 seedlings
On the Enterprise

•

The development of a bamboo business should be planned carefully in line of trends
and development in its intended market especially if the market is agriculturallybased with an export orientation.

•

The Davao experience demonstrates that an enterprise cannot stand alone. If related
services and infrastructure are lacking, then support groups of anchor groups must
first be put into place to support and nurture the enterprise to its maturity. Anchor
units can take the place of formal support structures not yet in place. Anchor units
are effective because they share the interest, concerns and circumstances of the
farmers group that it wishes to influence in addition to providing farmers with the
technology, material inputs, emergency requirements or market.

•

A system of sharing that works, and is easy to comprehend, may be used as the basis
for facilitating joint ventures with private investors, or land owners and even the local
government in order to provide the capital base needed to get a project underway.
Imposing a complex organizational structure on a group in a rural community that is
not familiar with its implications is counterproductive. Organizational structures for
self-help should be allowed to evolve. All inter-related operating units may eventually

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evolve into multi-layered and complex organizational structures as the project itself
evolves.
•

When a group or community begins to interact with formal institutions, particularly
the financial sector, it should be prepared for more complex organizational and
administrative tasks. External professional organizational assistance is needed at this
stage together with accounting and control system skills

•

Ways to provide opportunities for the farmers to see the new technologies at work
are: visits to other farms where the new technologies have been successfully
implemented; involvement of experienced farm management groups in setting up and
managing the farm for a specific period of time with the farmer-beneficiary as
apprentice.

•

Self help programs are more effective when headed or led by those in the community
who enjoy a certain degree of esteem, are financially secure, and with keen interest in
innovative approaches to community development.

•

In the experiences of Iloilo and Ilocos, transfer of technology by the government
agencies and universities were not sustainable as they did id not consider the entire
business cycle, from production to consumption in the planning process. It is
necessary to complete the business cycle or open the channels from raw material
supply, to product development and production/ processing and finally to the market
in order to be successful in implementing a sustainable business..

INBAR - InHand Abra
Transfer of Technology Model: Community Bamboo Nurseries

34

Appendix II
1.0 COST & RETURN ANALYSIS (exchange 40pesos: 1 US dollar)
1.1 Source: Caasi for 10,000 Laak plantings
COST
A. Acquisition of Materials
1. cuttings - 10,000 pcs x 1.00
2. packing
3. transport
4. treatment (Captan) x 2 no
sub-total
B. Incubation site
1. materials for shed
2. labor of incubation site (4 mp x 3 md x 150/da)
3. drum
sub-total
C. Incubation process
1. labor for planting
(5mp x 3 da x 150/da)
2. treatment ( 4 kgs Captan x 300/kg)
( 4 bot - Hexaplus x 120 )
3. water bill for 10 cu. l x 10 days x 20 / cu. l.
4. sevin Larsban (1 x 400)
5. labor for watering for 15 days ( 1mp x15da x 150)
sub-total
D. Bagging/transplanting
1. soil mix = 1part soil : 1 part coir dust
( 1 liter/ bag )( 1 cu. m. : 100 bags)
( 10,000 planting = 10 cu.m. x 300)
( coir dust = 10 cu.m. x 100)
2. labor for soil mix and planting ( 10,000pcs x 1/bag)
3. plastic bags ( 10,000 x 0.50/bag)
4. punching plastic bag ( 3 md x 150)
sub-total
E. Maintenance
1. insecticide/fungicide ( every 7 days:
2 bot Hexaplus x 120 = 240
1 bot larsban x 400 = 400
1 kg Captan x 300 = 300
940
2. labor for everyday watering
21-60 = 40 days x 1md x 150
3. water 1 cu m/da x 40 da = 40 cu m. x 100
Sub total
Total Expense
Cost per Seedling (material & labor)
REVENUE: 10,000 PLANTINGS x 25 pesos
RETURN:
297% IN 72 DAYS

INBAR - InHand Abra
Transfer of Technology Model: Community Bamboo Nurseries

10,000
1,500
600
12,100
3,000
1,800
7,000
11,800
2,250
1,200
480
2,000
400
2,250
8,580

3,000
1,000
10,000
5,000
450
19,450

940
6,000
4,000
10,940
62,870
6.287
250, 000
187, 130

35

1.2 Source: Millan for laak in Davao
Davao costings

phase 1

phase 2

Cuttings
Transport cuttings
Soil
Plastic bag
Bagging
Water
Watering
Weeding
Arranging
Loading
Land rental
Implements
Food allowance
Supervision
Miscellaneous
Sub-total

2.50
1.50
1.00
1.00
1.50
0.50
1.00
1.00
1.00
0.50
1.00
0.25
1.00
1.00
0.25
15.00

1.25
0.75
0.50
0.50
0.25
0.25
0.50
0.50
0.50

5.50

phase 3
3.75
2.25
1.50
1.50
2.25
0.75
1.50
1.50
1.50
0.50
1.00
0.25
1.00
1.00
0.50
20.50

Additional costs for Manila Operation
Air freight of cuttings
Packing
Handling
Travel Expenses
Davao Price
Production
Net
Return

10.00
2.00
3.00
5.00
20.00
30.00
20.50
9.50
46.34%

INBAR - InHand Abra
Transfer of Technology Model: Community Bamboo Nurseries

Manila Price
Production
Net

50.00
40.50
9.50

36

1.3 Source: Malab et al 1994, Bamboo Technology, MMSU Batac Ilocos Norte
Cost and return analysis of bamboo material production per 100 culms.
ITEM

COST

I. Costs
Materials
100 bamboo culms
6 cu m fine river sand
100 pcs hollow block 20 cm
100 pcs. 18x18x28 cm black plastic
Fertilizer 14-14-14 NPK

3,000
1,000
400
1,500
300

Labor
Preparation of cuttings
Construction of misting bed
Soil media preparation and bagging
Maintenance (watering, weeding, root pruning)

1,270
254
2,540
6,000

Total Cost
II. Returns
Number of seedlings that can be produced
Price per seedling
III. Net Return
Cost per Seedling
IV. Return Above Variable Cost (RAVC)

INBAR - InHand Abra
Transfer of Technology Model: Community Bamboo Nurseries

16,264
Php pesos
Php pesos

30,000
1,200
25
13,736
13.97
84%

37

Appendix II: 2.0 The 7-day Consultation Workshop
2.1 Agenda
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Define goals of the community and gaps to be filled.
Develop the bamboo vision and blueprint, covering broad goals and expectations,
dovetailing with the community's strategic direction.
Design a development process, including decision points.
Identify people, resource requirements and potential leaders and members.
Define rewards, compensation, and measurement approaches.
Establish norms and values to guide communications and behavior.
Summarize Project Plan.

2.2
The written outputs of the Consultation Workshop ( Project Plan) can be
summarized as follows:
1
2
3

The description of the vision
The project blueprint
The strategy •
•
•
•

Financial growth gap the project will fill in the next 5 - 10 years
The objectives to be met with emphasis on financial objectives
The strategic roles the project will try to satisfy
The screening criteria to be used for moving ideas and concepts through the
development process. This will separate "can do" from "would like to do"
concepts.

4
The technology portfolio plan and technical areas of expertise necessary for
developing the project.
5

Define the development process: (see box below)

6

An assessment of people and resources required to activate the strategy

7
A list of potential leaders, and team leaders for the project - full time, dedicated
team leaders and team members should represent a mix of different functional areas to
provide a cross-section of expertise, perspective, and experience.
8
A description of the compensation system for the participants according to
expectations and tangible results.
9
A compendium of rewards to use to motivate teams - rewards that recognize
performance.
10
The criteria and measurement approach for evaluating effectiveness of the
enterprise, the team, and the individual.
INBAR - InHand Abra
Transfer of Technology Model: Community Bamboo Nurseries

38

11
An initial set of innovation norms and values-based leadership - values are shared
goals, beliefs, ideals, and purposes of a group. They invoke inner convictions and
emotional feelings among group members.
12

The communications plan

Refer 5 above: THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
ADVANCED PLANNING
Plan the directions of the project. Synchronizing product, technology, manufacturing,
infrastructure, and training roadmaps.
DEFINITION
Define the development of the project participants. Match customer needs with
product benefits. Establish resource requirements and market assessments. Prepare a
business plan.
DESIGN
Establish training design decisions, propagation and marketing decisions. Develop
specifications for the product output and specifications for suppliers of materials
DEMONSTRATION
Train the participants on the core expertise required to run the project. Dovetail
training with pilot acceptance test runs to appraise performance.
Scale up to a level with large enough quantities to identify "bugs and problems".
Market test - select a market or area; educate target buyers or farmers
COMMERCIALIZE - introduce the project or product to the market/community by
initiating awareness.
SUPPORT
Support production, training and sales to satisfy customer needs -"whatever it takes".
Monitor the project for at least 12 months and evaluate potential changes and
improvements to be made.

INBAR - InHand Abra
Transfer of Technology Model: Community Bamboo Nurseries

39

Appendix II: 3.1 Propagation flow chart

Cut branches for
propagules

Treat propagules

Pack in sacks

Place in clonal
chamber (14 days)

Transport to
nursery

Pot in plastic bags
Place under shade and
water daily (3 months)

Harden the stocks by
gradual exposure to
sunlight ( 1 months)

INBAR - InHand Abra
Transfer of Technology Model: Community Bamboo Nurseries

40

Appendix II: 3.2 Nursery flow chart
Propagules

Animal
Manure

Storage

Working table
Clonal
chamber
drum

VERMICULTURE
Chambers

Sand

Soil Mix
Potting area

NURSERY BEDS

INBAR - InHand Abra
Transfer of Technology Model: Community Bamboo Nurseries

41

Appendix II: 3.3 Process Sheet (Branch Cutting Method)
INPUT
Material

PROCESS

OUTPUT

UC

MP / Equip

COST
Labor
Materials

1.0 Propagule Collection
D. asper clump
15 years old
with 15-18 culms

1.1.1 Select a 4 year old culm.

A 4-yr old culm
can yield 10-15
propagules with at least
2 nodes w/ live buds
150 propagules/sac
jute sacks

1.1.2 Climb the culm.
(or cut the culm for utilization)
1.1.3 Cut the branches for propagules. 1

“Bolo"

150 pcs/md

1.00/prop

1.2.1 Pack the propagules in sacks.

Sacks

10 sacs/md

0.01/prop

1

8 /sac

4 sacs of propagules
per sled

150/sled

1.2.2 Haul the sacks to the main road.

16 sacks /multicab

240/trip

1.3.1 Load the sacks in the multicab.

Carabao sled

0.25

1.3.2 Transport the sacks to the nursery.
Multicab
0.10
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Unit cost /propagule = 1.36

INBAR - InHand Abra
Transfer of Technology Model: Community Bamboo Nurseries

1.01

0.35

42

INPUT
Material

PROCESS
UC

OUTPUT
MP

Equipment

Labor

COST
Materials

2.0 Nursery Activities
Rooting hormone
(10 ml per litre water)
1600 p/120mg pot

120/120mg 2.1 Treat propagules with rooting
hormone (3-5 min submerged)

1

2.2 Treat clonal chamber

1500 propagules
in a 1x5m chamber
10 l water/d (15 days)
150 liters /1500 p

2.3 Place in clonal chamber
1
(15 days for propagules to sprout).
Water every day in the morning 1
during dry season.

Sprouted propagule
Plastic bag 15x20cm
0.50/bag
1.3 kg bag of soil mix:
1 sand 0.45kg :
600/m3
2 compost 0.9kg
2.50/kg

5 liter water / 25 pots
4 liter/pot for 90 days

0.03/l

2.4 Pot into plastic bags.
Punch holes in bags.

2500p/md

0.06
0.075

100 litres boiling water

0.03/l

Drum

0.02
Clonal chamb. 3000p/md

0.05

5 litre
sprinkler

0.225

1
1

10,000/md

0.003
150 pots/md
3333/md

1.00
0.045

3000 bags/m3
2.5 Place pots
under the shade.
Water daily for 3 months
in the morning.

1
1

Water 3 times 0.03/l
per week

2.6 Harden the stocks through
1
exposure to sunlight for 1 month.

unit cost: 8.038

throughput : 140 days

INBAR - InHand Abra
Transfer of Technology Model: Community Bamboo Nurseries

1.36

0.18
2.25

Nursery
shade w/net
5 liter
sprinkler

150 pots/md 1.00
10,000/md

1.35

Hose

10,000/md

0.18

0.12

0.12
3.91

4.128

43

INPUT
Material

PROCESS
UC

OUTPUT
Equipment

COSTS
Labor Materials

3.0 Vermi-Culture
1000 kgs of
Animal manure

1 kg vermi-breeders

0.50/kg

250/kg

Water source

3.1 Place manure in vermi
chamber. Leave until
temperature reaches
25 -300C.

1m x 1.5 m x 0.9 m 1 chamber/md
Vermi - chamber

150

500

Alcohol thermometer

3.2 Put breeders into chamber
keep in chamber for 2 months.
Water as required once a week.

250

3.3 Harvest 80%of the total
weight of the compost. Leave
20% for the vermi breeders
for continued production.
1000 kgs
UNIT COST(labor and materials)

800 kgs

800 kgs

150

750

900 = 1.125
800

Return: 2.50 / kg
Net return: 1.375/kg

INBAR - InHand Abra
Transfer of Technology Model: Community Bamboo Nurseries

44

Appendix II: 3.4

Branch Cutting Seedlings Cost and Return Analysis (40 pesos = US $1) using the InHand Formula

100% Return:
Price per seedling

Annually
20.10 nursery gate

x 3 turnovers annually x 20,000 seedlings =

pesos

1,206,000

Cost:
Labor
Material:
40% L&M

3.91
4.128
8.038 (see appendix 3.3 for details)

234,600
247,680
482,280

10%
5%
5%
2%

2.01
1.005
1.005
0.402

120,600
60,300
60,300
24,120

1.005
1.005

60,300
60,300

14.472
2.01
1.206
1.206
1.206
5.628

868,320
120,600
72,360
72,360
72,360
337,680

Overhead
Admin Exp
Tools, Equipment
Working capital
interest expenses
5% R&D investment
5% Marketing expenses

72%
10%
6%
6%
6%
28%

Total Cost
Capital Build-up
Capital share
Mgmt share
Labor share
Net returns

Profit Margin
Rate of Turnover:

28%
ROI:
1,206,000 = 2.70
446,300
(see appendix 3.6)

INBAR - InHand Abra
Transfer of Technology Model: Community Bamboo Nurseries

28% x 2.70 = 75.6%

45

Appendix II: 3.5 Investments Costs for 20, 000 seedlings x 3 turnovers annually
Cost
Land - 3000 sq. m

(50 pesos/sq. m)

150,000

Community investment

Perimeter fence 260 m
Shed: 210 sq. m.
Sub-Total:

(100 pesos /lm)
(1000 pesos/sq. m)

26,000
210,000
386,000

Earns cash returns through capital share over 5 years

Equipment Investments (1st year)
1 no. - 10 sq m clonal chamber (1000 pesos/sq.m.) 10,000
with 3 layers of stone, gravel, sand
1 no. - plastic treatment drum
1,000
working tables/vats
4,500
1 no. - thermometer
200
6 set- plastic 5-liter sprinkler
1,200
1720m - net with half a cm hole (20)
34,400
150 m garden hose
2,700
6 no.- vermi culture chamber 1.5/sq.m/chamber
4,500
1 no. - cart
1,800
Sub-Total: Equipment Investment
60.300
TOTAL INVESTMENTS

1st year

Payments taken from T/J/Equipment budget

446,300

NOTE: Investment for 2nd year to come from capital build-up portion of the 1st year.
One hectare land near water source required for propagule plantation.

INBAR - InHand Abra
Transfer of Technology Model: Community Bamboo Nurseries

46

Appendix II: 3.6 CASH FLOW (P4 0= USD$1)
INFLOWS:
Community Capital Investment
Loan for working capital at 12% / annum:
Loan for Equipment Expenditures at 12%
Sub-Total Inflows

YR 1

YR2

YR3

YR4

YR5

236,000
200,000
60,300
496,300

Cash Sales Inflows for 40,000 seedlings
Cash Sales Inflows for 60,000 seedlings
TOTAL INFLOWS

1,300,300

1,206,000
1,206,000

1,206,000
1,206,000

1,206,000
1,206,000

1,206,000
1,206,000

Cumulative Inflows

1,300,300

2,506,300

3,712,300

4,918,300

6,124,300

200,000
10,600

2,450

2,100

2,100

OUTFLOWS:
Equipment expenditures 1st yr
Shed and fence
1 hectare plantation land purchase
plantation expenses

804,000

60,300
236,000

Material and labor for 60,000 seedlings
Overheads and admin exps for 60,000 seedlings
Interest for working capital
R and D and marketing expenses
TOTAL OUTFLOWS

482,280
180,900
24,120
120,600
1,104,200

482,280
180,900
24,120
120,600
1,018,500

482,280
180,900
24,120
120,600
810,350

482,280
180,900
24,120
120,600
810,000

482,280
180,900
24,120
120,600
810,000

Cumulative Outflows

1,104,200

2,122,700

2,933,050

3,743,050

4,553,050

196,100

187,500

395,650

396,000

396,000

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ANNUAL TOTALS

INBAR - InHand Abra
Transfer of Technology Model: Community Bamboo Nurseries

47

Appendix II: 3.7 Source: One-hectare giant bamboo plantation in Western Visayas for ten years
Activities
A. Materials
1. Giant Bamboo (potted)
2. Fertilizers (14 -14 -14)
Subtotal

Y1

Y2

Y3

Y4

Y5

Y6

Y7

Y8

Y9

Y10

TOTAL

5.500
400
5,900

400
400

400
400

400
400

400
400

400
400

400
400

400
400

400
400

400
400

5,500
4,000
9,500

B. Plantation Establishment
1. Site Preparation
2.000
(Staking, strip brushing
hole digging)
2. Planting (hauling, distribution) 1,500
Subtotal
3,500

2,000
350.
350

C. Maintenance
1. Weeding, brushing and fertilizer 1,200 1,700
Subtotal
1,200 1,700

1,850
3,850
1,700
1,700

1,400
1,400

1,400
1,400

1,400
1,400

1,200
1,200

1,200
1,200

1,200
1,200

13,800
13,800

4,000

4,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

28,000

5,800

5,800

6,800

6,600

6,600

6,600

55,150

F. Gross Production

50,000

50,000 60,000

60,000

60,000

60,000

340,000

G. Net Income

44,200

44,200

53,200

53,400

53,000

53,400

284,850

194%

762%

782%

809%

803%

809%

516%

D. Harvesting Cost
E. Total Expenses

10,600

2,450 2,100

H. Return of Investment (ROI)
Assumptions: Seedling Cost = 50 pesos
Ave no. of culms/yr/clump = 5 (yrs 5-8)

INBAR - InHand Abra
Transfer of Technology Model: Community Bamboo Nurseries

1,800

1,400
1,400

Price per culm = 100 pesos
Planting distance = 10m x 10m

48