Comparative Analysis of the Acceptability of Bamboo and Wood Products and Their Utilisation in the Construction Industry

Bamboo has emerged globally as a sustainable and versatile alternative to timber due to its strength, rapid growth, and wide range of applications. This study examined the acceptability of bamboo products compared to wood products in Narok North Sub-County, with a focus on construction, fuelwood, basketry, and furniture. The study objectives were to assess the economic potential of bamboo, compare levels of acceptability between bamboo and timber, and evaluate community perceptions of durability, affordability, and quality. A mixed-methods design was adopted, involving household questionnaires, interviews with environmental and forestry officers, focus group discussions, and photography. Quantitative data were analysed using percentages, chi-square tests, and descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were summarised thematically. Results revealed that while timber remains dominant for fuelwood (85.3%) and furniture (92.2%), bamboo was highly preferred for basketry (89.2%) and exhibited strong potential in construction, with 70.6% of respondents indicating willingness to adopt bamboo if raw materials were readily available. Chi-square tests indicated significant associations between current and potential uses of bamboo for fuelwood (χ²=18.242, p<0.001), furniture (χ²=11.461, p<0.01), and construction (χ²=3.913, p<0.05). However, no significant associations were found in basketry (χ²=1.193, p=0.275) or raw material availability (χ²=0.175, p=0.676). Respondents cited affordability, environmental sustainability, and durability as key drivers of acceptability, though timber was still perceived as higher quality where modern bamboo processing and value-addition technologies were lacking. The findings demonstrate that bamboo holds significant promise as an alternative to timber, particularly in construction and basketry, but barriers such as weak supply chains, lack of treatment standards, and limited awareness constrain its adoption. With policy support, value-addition technologies, and community sensitisation, bamboo could play a transformative role in reducing deforestation, supporting livelihoods, and advancing sustainable development in Kenya.