SIBRED, Partners Champion Bamboo-Based Internships for Sustainable Food Systems

By Praise Chinecherem

A one-day hybrid food systems dialogue in Awka, Anambra State, has spotlighted the growing role of bamboo in climate-smart agriculture and youth empowerment.

The event, themed “Growing Together: Building Sustainable Food Systems through Internships”, was organized by the Sahelian Institute for Bamboo Research and Entrepreneurship Development (SIBRED) Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, in partnership with the Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global (GCSAYN).

Declaring the event open, the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Joseph Ikechebelu, lauded SIBRED’s efforts since inception and reaffirmed the university’s support for bamboo-based innovation.

Represented by Professor Angela Ufele-Obiesie, Director of Academic Planning, he assured that the university would continue backing research aimed at unlocking bamboo’s full potential.

“SIBRED is doing remarkable work in advancing bamboo research. If it’s about bringing the best out of bamboo, the university management is fully behind you,” he said.

Welcoming participants, SIBRED’s Director, Dr. John Ogbodo, emphasized the institute’s focus on climate-resilient bamboo-based farming systems as a sustainable pathway for food security.

“Today, we gather to explore innovative solutions for building sustainable food systems through internships, with a focus on climate-resilient bamboo-based farming systems.

“This event brings together experts, researchers, and practitioners to share innovative solutions for building a sustainable food system. Our commitment to collaborative learning and development is key,” he said.

Cohosting the event, Mr. Divine Ntiotam of GCSAYN praised SIBRED’s capacity to lead innovation in bamboo and rattan industries. He announced the network’s official recognition of SIBRED as its Centre of Excellence on Bamboo Agroforestry—the first of its kind under GCSAYN’s decade-long mission.

“We are excited about this partnership and confident that bamboo will play a key role in building resilience to climate change,” he noted.

US-based board member of SIBRED, Mrs. Diana Doheny, also delivered a virtual goodwill message, highlighting bamboo’s diverse uses—from charcoal production and soil enrichment to erosion control and entrepreneurship.

“John Ogbodo’s dedication to amplifying bamboo’s opportunities is truly commendable. This work is impactful and community-driven,” she said.

SIBRED co-initiator, Prof. Jatex Obi, expressed delight at the institute’s growing recognition and achievements. He reiterated its commitment to positioning bamboo agroforestry as a flagship program for youth engagement and green innovation.

The event also drew praise from the Head of Department of Botany at the university, Dr. V. C. Ilodibia, represented by Prof. Raph Okigbo, who called on government to fund bamboo research and commercialization.

“Bamboo has huge untapped potential. I hope government sees the bigger picture and supports this intervention,” he said.

Goodwill messages were also received from stakeholders across the globe, including Mr. Fortunate Fapounda (UK), Prof. Jerome Ihuma (Rwanda), Dr. Michael Iwar (Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University of Agriculture, Makurdi), Prof. Derrick Dennis (India), and Loretta Mmachukwu, Founder of Green Environment and Climate Change Initiative (GRENCHI), who all joined virtually.

The climax of the event was the official induction of the first cohort of over 80 interns, mostly from the university’s Botany Department, into SIBRED’s bamboo internship program.