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

Tim K. Loos, Marlene Hoppe, Beloved M. Dzomeku and Lilli Scheiterle
Additional contact information
Tim K. Loos: Food Security Center, 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

Sustainability, 2018, vol. 10, issue 12, 1-18

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.

Keywords: plantain residues; fiber; value web; bioeconomy; Ghana (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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