This study explores the potential of bamboo as a sustainable alternative to plastic and wood in Ethiopia's horticulture sector. The research, targeting Small and Micro Enterprises, farmers, and supermarkets reveals a significant demand for boxes. Current box sustainability is questioned due to environmental regulations, raw material scarcity, and public dissatisfaction. Despite acknowledged advantages, bamboo's use in box production is unexplored in Ethiopia. However, stakeholders are open to bamboo boxes, given their standard features. The study forecasts a 15% annual increase in box demand and proposes supermarket, single standard, and double standard bamboo boxes based on user preferences. A strategic roadmap is suggested to enhance bamboo box operations. Bamboo products offer significant environmental and economic advantages over plastic and wooden alternatives, contributing to reduced pollution and enhanced waste management. However, the transition to bamboo may face resistance. Thus, awareness campaigns and pilot projects can highlight its benefits. Significant investments in training and supply chain setup, and partnerships with local suppliers and a strong logistics network are essential. Supportive government policies and incentives are crucial, especially those promoting sustainable practices. Collaborations with NGOs can enhance awareness. Increased demand requires sustainable management, community-based farming, and certified practices. The study recommends promoting the product as a pilot project, conducting on-service testing, providing financial support to enterprises, and maintaining regular monitoring.

中文翻译：

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探索向竹子替代品的转变：埃塞俄比亚木材和塑料替代品的案例研究


本研究探讨了竹子作为埃塞俄比亚园艺行业塑料和木材的可持续替代品的潜力。这项针对小微企业、农民和超市的研究揭示了对盒子的巨大需求。由于环境法规、原材料稀缺和公众不满，当前的盒子可持续性受到质疑。尽管竹子具有公认的优势，但在埃塞俄比亚，竹子在箱式生产中的应用尚未得到开发。然而，鉴于竹箱的标准功能，利益相关者对竹箱持开放态度。该研究预测纸盒需求每年增长 15%，并根据用户喜好提出超市、单标和双标竹盒。建议制定战略路线图以加强竹箱运营。与塑料和木制替代品相比，竹制品具有显著的环境和经济优势，有助于减少污染和加强废物管理。然而，向竹子的过渡可能会面临阻力。因此，宣传活动和试点项目可以突出它的好处。在培训和供应链设置方面进行大量投资，以及与当地供应商和强大的物流网络建立合作伙伴关系至关重要。政府的支持性政策和激励措施至关重要，尤其是那些促进可持续实践的政策和激励措施。与非政府组织合作可以提高意识。需求增加需要可持续管理、基于社区的农业和经过认证的做法。该研究建议将该产品作为试点项目进行推广，进行在役测试，为企业提供财务支持，并保持定期监测。