2.3 Opportunities and Constraints in the Rattan and Bamboo Value Chains Rattan
Opportunities Despite depressed global markets and prices for rattan furniture products, stakeholders in the rattan value chain were still optimistic about rattan production, having identified the following as the potential prospects in engaging in this sub-sector: Rattan can be harnessed in the gifts, decors and houseware (GDH) sector, so the industry can still potentially add to the incomes of the operators in the rattan value chain; and There is an abundance of raw materials for furniture making. Wide areas can be planted with rattan and there is no apparent lack of planting materials as there are wildlings that are readily available.
Constraints The permitting system for harvesting rattan is complex and sometimes cumbersome. This makes compliance difficult, and could even be prone to errors or varying interpretation by officials tasked with evaluating and approving permit applications. This could lead to even more price distortion. Rattan is not considered a priority industry sector and therefore, those engaged in the industry could not get enough attention or support from appropriate agencies. There were no new programs designed or currently implemented to improve the performance of the rattan industry. Rattan was not included in the Department of Trade and Industries’
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Plantation Wood, Rattan and Bamboo in Leyte Island | Value Chains to benefit income generation of forest farmers
