Bamboo bikes reducing unemployment in Ghana

A new trend in bicycle manufacturing has emerged in Ghana, with the use of simple technology and bamboo as the main material.This socio-ecological initiative addresses the problem of climate change and has played a significant role in reducing rural-urban migration in the countrysides.

Bernice Dapaah, Founder & CEO of Ghana Bamboo Bikes

Founded by Bernice Dapaah, the Ghana Bamboo Bikes Initiative has created employment opportunities and sustainable livelihood job skills for the youth through the building of high quality handcrafted bamboo bikes for the international export markets. This initiative has created 35 jobs so far; 25 bike builders and 10 farmers, contributing to poverty reduction in the country.

Unlike steel bicycles, bamboo bikes are organic and environmentally friendly. They can be easily recycled. They reduce carbon emissions by up to 70 percent and avoid almost 5kg of CO2 emissions that steel bicycle frames would release. Moreover, they require less electricity compared to the production of metal or carbon fiber bicycles.

 SOURCE: ghanabamboobikes.org