Bamboo use for the housing industry in Ghana: Urban Stakeholders’ Perception

Abstract

The study was undertaken to determine stakeholders’ perception on bamboo housing; finding the benefits and identifying perceived challenges in the use of bamboo for housing in urban centres. Personal interviews, questionnaire administration and field observations were used to gather information from 114 purposively and conveniently selected respondents in Abokobi, Dwobor and Fumesua, as well as key informants from International Network for Bamboo and Rattan. Two main types of bamboo housing were found in the study areas; the traditional bahareque and modern prefabricated bamboo houses. The results also showed that affordability (35.9%), generation of employment (23.7%), easy maintenance (15.2%), good air circulation (10.7%), durability (7.8%), control of deforestation (4.1%) and purification of the environment (2.6%) were some of the benefits stakeholders associated with the use of bamboo for housing. Lack of technical know-how (34.67%), people’s misconception about
bamboo housing (33.33%), lack of funds (24.00%) and inadequate assistance from the government (8.00%) were perceived challenges encountered by people involved in bamboo housing. Most respondents hold the view that bamboo housing is for the poor (44.00%), not durable (29.33%), lack of appropriate technology (16.00%) and unsuitable bamboo species (10.67%). Awareness creation in the use of bamboo for housing should involve intensive education on the use, treatment and qualities of bamboo for housing in the various communities is paramount.