IDRC is a Canadian Crown Corporation that works in close collaboration with researchers from the developing world in their search for the means to build healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous societies. Current project funded under RITC is a program within IDRC's Social and Economic Policy program area, and funds multidisciplinary tobacco control research projects in developing countries. They are the main sponsors of this research project.

For more information, go to: www.idrc.ca

for more information visit: www.seuco.ac.ke

The International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to improving the social, economic, and environmental benefits of bamboo and rattan. INBAR connects a global network of partners from the government, private, and not-for-profit sectors in over 50 countries to define and implement a global agenda for sustainable development through bamboo and rattan.

For more information, go to: www.inbar.int

The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) vision is to be the leading agent towards the achievement of food security for all, employment creation, income generation and poverty reduction in Kenya. Cognizant of the role of the agriculture sector in the national economy and people's livelihood, the mission of MOA is to improve the livelihood of Kenyans by promoting competitive agriculture through creation of an enabling environment, provision of support services and ensuring sustainable natural resources management. All these are in-line with the project’s objectives.

The Ministry of Medical services has its headquaters at Afya house in Nairobi. Its vision is to be an efficient and cost-effective medical care system for a healthy nation. The mission of the ministry is to promote and participate in the provision of integrated and high quality curative and rehabilitative services to all Kenyans. The project partners with the ministry in tobacco control to ensure minimal tobacco-related diseases in Kenya hence reduced expenditure on health care.

For more information, go to: www.medical.go.ke

The vision of Ministry of Environment and natural resources is a clean, secure and sustainably managed environment and mineral resources conductive of national prosperity. Its mission is to promote, monitor, conserve, protect and sustainably manage the environment and mineral resources for national development. The mandate of the ministry is to monitor, protect, conserve and manage the environment and natural resources through sustainable exploitation for socio-economic development aimed at eradication of poverty, improving living standards and ensuring that a clean environment is sustained now and in the future. The project looks into improving the environmental and natural status of South Nyanza region in Kenya.

Maseno University is located 25 KM from Kisumu city on the Busia road. The University has well-conceived faculties and schools offering various degrees and diplomas in social, biological and physical sciences. Its vision is to be a leading institution and centre of excellence in university teaching, outreach, research and development, with a mission of fostering and developing academic excellence in teaching, basic and applied research geared towards training practically oriented human resource that can contribute effectively to social, intellectual and academic development in the community, the nation and the community of nations.

Private Bag, Maseno, Kenya
Tel: (035)51620, 51622
Fax: (035)51221, 51462
www.maseno.ac.ke/about.htm

Migori Bamboo Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd

The group was registered in the year 2006 and is based in Migori town. It is mainly concerned with bamboo production as along term strategy of livelihood diversification, poverty alleviation and environmental degradation in Migori district. In phase 1 of the project, members of the group wrote their constitution and each of them planted 20 (10 bambusa vulgaris and 10 giant (Dendrocalamus giganteaus) bamboo seedlings. The group established bamboo nurseries whose seedlings are now ready for replanting. The group has managed to form a cooperative (Migori Bamboo (Modi) Cooperative Society)

For more information contact

Kuria Bamboo Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd

Kuria Bamboo Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd was started in the year 2006 by 30 tobacco farmers i.e. 10 male adults, 10 female adults and 10 youths who have been taken through a series of trainings by the Ministry of Agriculture on the production and utilization of bamboo with a view of alleviating poverty and environmental degradation in Kuria district. The group was registered in Kehancha town and is based in Ekerege centre. It is mainly concerned with bamboo production as a long term strategy of livelihood diversification, poverty alleviation and environmental degradation in Kuria district. Members of the group wrote their constitution and each of them initially planted 20 bamboo seedlings with the support of Maseno University and IDRC- Canada. Members of the group wrote their constitution and each of them planted 20 (10 bambusa vulgaris and 10 giant (Dendrocalamus giganteaus) bamboo seedlings. The group established bamboo nurseries whose seedlings are now ready for replanting. The group has managed to form a cooperative (Kuria Bamboo (Imiere) Cooperative Society)

For more information contact

Chairman:         Samuel Mwita. . Mobile: +254-725738780
Secretary:          Henry T Gimonge. Mobile: +254-717076649
Coop Manager:    Tegere Gimonge. Mobile: +254-717076649
Email:   kuriabamboocoop@gmail.com

Homa bay Bamboo Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd

Homa bay Bamboo Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd was started in the year 2006 by 30 tobacco farmers i.e. 10 male adults, 9 female adults and 11 youths who had been trained by the ministry of agriculture on the production and utilization of bamboo with a view of alleviating poverty and environmental degradation in Homabay district. The group was registered in Homabay town and is based in Rangwe centre. It is mainly concerned with bamboo production as along term strategy of livelihood diversification, poverty alleviation and environmental degradation in Homabay district. Members of the group wrote their constitution and each of them planted 20 (10 bambusa vulgaris and 10 giant (Dendrocalamus giganteaus) bamboo seedlings. The group established bamboo nurseries whose seedlings are now ready for replanting. The group has managed to form a cooperative (Homa Bay Bamboo (Modi) Cooperative Society)

For more information contact

Chairman:         Peter Otieno. Mobile: +254-714906692
Secretary:          John O Guya. Mobile: +254-720712567
Coop manager:    Ezekiel Oloo Kisiengo. Mobile: +254-726465953
Email:   homabaybamboocoop@gmail.com

Suba Bamboo Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd

Suba Bamboo Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd was started in the year 2006 by 30 tobacco farmers i.e. 10 male adults, 9 female adults and 11 youths who had been trained by the ministry of agriculture on the production and utilization of bamboo with a view of alleviating poverty and environmental degradation in Suba district. The group was registered and is based in Sindo town. It is mainly concerned with bamboo production as along term strategy of alleviating poverty and environmental degradation in Suba district. Each member of the group planted 20 (10 bambusa vulgaris and 10 giant (Dendrocalamus giganteaus) bamboo seedlings. The group established bamboo nurseries whose seedlings are now ready for replanting. The group has managed to form a cooperative (Suba Bamboo (Modi) Cooperative Society)

For more information contact

Chairman:         Cosmas Otieno. Mobile: +254-704181773
Secretary:          Cresencia Mboya. Mobile: +254-715782017
Coop Manager:    Kennedy Kimuma . Mobile: +254-703107701
Email:   subabamboocoop@gmail.com