Prospective Utilization of Wood Waste From Wood-based Industries in Ethiopia: Synthesis

Abstract

Wood waste has the potential to be utilized for the production of various products like engineered wood products, for energy generation in the form of heat, electricity, and for mulching and animal bedding. Apart from international experience, wood waste utilization in Ethiopia is not being practiced except for firewood and engineered wood products in some cases. This review stated that the problem of wood waste management and utilization in Ethiopia is arising from the absence of relevant rules and regulations and a lack of institutions that are concerned about wood waste benefits. Institutional issues are related to the formulation of policy that encourages waste management, and involvement of investors in waste utilization, while the technical issues are concerned with the adoption of advanced technologies, the arrangement of relevant training for the workers, and the implementation of proper wood waste management. The result of the review concludes that government should formulate effective waste management policies to maximize the value of wood waste resources, because poor management and utilization of wood waste will lead to huge profit loss and, moreover, environmental pollution. Related policies should be introduced to support experience sharing and technology promotion, which will contribute to the efficient and effective utilization of wood waste resources to satisfy the growing demand for wood products. In addition to these, the policymakers should give special attention to the utilization of wood waste to adopt advanced techniques and technologies from experienced countries.