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The Potential of Plantain Residues for the Ghanaian Bioeconomy—Assessing the Current Fiber Value Web

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  • Tim K. Loos

    (Food Security Center, University of Hohenheim, Wollgrasweg 43, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
    Institute of Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics (Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute), University of Hohenheim, Wollgrasweg 43, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Marlene Hoppe

    (C.S.P. Consulting und Service für Pflanzliche Rohstoffe GmbH, Schnorrstraße 70, 01069 Dresden, Germany)

  • Beloved M. Dzomeku

    (CSIR-Crops Research Institute, P.O. Box 3785 Fumesua-Kumasi, Ghana)

  • Lilli Scheiterle

    (Institute of Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics (Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute), University of Hohenheim, Wollgrasweg 43, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany)

Abstract

An essential part in the concept of any emerging bioeconomy includes the sustainable use of biomass as a resource for industrial raw materials. Focusing on the increasing demand for natural fibers, it will be necessary to identify alternative sources without compromising food security. Here, untapped potential lies in the use of plantain residues. Yet, it is unclear how or whether this can be activated. This article investigates the current situation in Ghana as a major plantain producer in Africa. Based on data collected with participatory tools, expert interviews, and group discussions, we (i) assess predominant plantain production structures, (ii) derive a stakeholder network map identifying institutional challenges, and (iii) discuss the potential starting points for linking the supply side with the national or international fiber market. Results indicate that there is substantial interest of private enterprises for high quality fibers. Despite traditional knowledge, after fruit harvest the fiber rich plantain pseudostems usually remain in the field. From an institutional point of view, key stakeholders and structures exist that could boost the establishment of a sustainable plantain based fiber value web. Key to such an endeavor, however, would be to pilot activities, including technology transfer of suitable innovations from other countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Tim K. Loos & Marlene Hoppe & Beloved M. Dzomeku & Lilli Scheiterle, 2018. "The Potential of Plantain Residues for the Ghanaian Bioeconomy—Assessing the Current Fiber Value Web," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-18, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:12:p:4825-:d:191314
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Poku, A.-G. & Birner, R. & Gupta, S., 2018. "How To Make Contract Farming Arrangements Work: Evidence From A Public And A Private Cassava Outgrower Scheme In Ghana," 2018 Conference, July 28-August 2, 2018, Vancouver, British Columbia 277471, International Association of Agricultural Economists.
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    Cited by:

    1. Temitayo Adeyemo & Paul Amaza & Victor Okoruwa & Vincent Akinyosoye & Kabir Salman & Adebayo Abass, 2019. "Determinants of Intensity of Biomass Utilization: Evidence from Cassava Smallholders in Nigeria," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-16, April.
    2. Carl C. Anderson & Manfred Denich & Kai Neumann & Kwadwo Amankwah & Charles Tortoe, 2019. "Identifying Biomass-Based Value Webs for Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systems Modeling Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-20, May.
    3. Mónica Duque-Acevedo & Luis Jesús Belmonte-Ureña & Natalia Yakovleva & Francisco Camacho-Ferre, 2020. "Analysis of the Circular Economic Production Models and Their Approach in Agriculture and Agricultural Waste Biomass Management," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-32, December.
    4. John-Baptist S. N. Naah, 2020. "Community-Level Analysis of Value Webs of Biomass-Based Resources: A Case Study among Local Actors in Ghana," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-15, February.
    5. Jessie Lin & Saurabh Gupta & Tim K. Loos & Regina Birner, 2019. "Opportunities and Challenges in the Ethiopian Bamboo Sector: A Market Analysis of the Bamboo-Based Value Web," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-14, March.

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