Bamboo

In order to get credit for going to Ghana and teaching students about business, each one of us has to write a paper/ independent study on a topic of  choice. Prior to our trip to Ghana, I had decided to write a simple case study or two on local entrepreneurs. However, while we were in Ghana I participated in a project that we called the McVety project, named after our mentor, Chris McVety, who was essentially organizing and helping us with the project. The objective of the project was to consult with local artisans based out of the fishing villages who were being impacted by the decline in the fishing industry. We were helping them to think through and write out their business plans and to essentially expand and grow their businesses. While developing these plans we were also trying to get them to think about their environment and eco-tourism in their communities. What  sustainable form of livelihood are they going to have once the fishing industry collapses? We were there to help them solve this problem. I personally worked with a very talented artist who  painted, made clothing and designed fishing boats for the fishermen. We walked through his business plan and I helped him change his cost structure in order to expand his business. I learned so much from him and I hope he learned a little bit from me.

Throughout the week and after many discussions with our mentors, Chris and Glenn, we came up with a research topic that might actually have a direct impact on the livelihoods of Ghanaian people. Bamboo is an extremely abundant and untapped resource in Ghana. It is used in simple everyday life, for constructions and home furnishing purposes, however, it in no way manufactured or produced as an income for the people. That is where we come in. There are two other students working on the Bamboo project. One member of my group is writing about the history of Bamboo is Ghana, how it was brought from Asia, for what purposes, and what species are currently in the country. Another member is doing a current industry analysis of bamboo in the world and in the western region of Africa, and then specifically in Ghana. And that leaves me. I am writing about the future of Bamboo in Ghana. What opportunities do the Ghanaian people have in the Bamboo industry? How can Ghanaians take bamboo and create sustainable forms of livelihood? What can they make? What can they produce?  These are all questions that I have been trying to answer when writing my paper.So our goal for our research paper, it to do a complete analysis on the Bamboo industry in Ghana, past, present, and future. Hopefully we can make at least a microscopic impact, right?

So if your wondering what I have been learning about this weekend, other than Entrepreneurial Finance and Biotechnology, it is Bamboo. I have enjoyed learning about Bamboo, but I am sure that when 2 months is up, I am going to be completely sick of reading and thinking about Bamboo... (But of course, I could never get sick of learning about Africa and talking about E-ship :) ) 

Check out the new and innovative, "green" Bamboo Bicycle... 

Bamboo framed bicycles are lighter and stronger than steel-framed bikes, adaptable to difficult road conditions and can be easily modified for different needs, such as carrying farm loads, passengers, food, and water. They also are environmentally friendly for all of you "Green" folk. 

Way Over Due

I have not written a post in over 3 months! This seems crazy to me since I have done so many amazing things in the past 3 months. I was home in Kansas City for Christmas, then I was in Ghana for 2 weeks to teach business, and now I am back at Babson having a wonderful second semester of my junior year. But even though it has been a long time, I am going to catch up and start posting about Ghana and what I have been doing.

I also have several things to look forward to this year. I will be in California next weekend, to get away from this terrible New England weather. Then I will be in Italy for Spring Break. And then I will be turning 21 and working somewhere (which has yet to be determined). So, although this post might be short and sweet, expect many more in the near future.

Here are a couple pictures from Ghana!

My teaching partner, Lily, and myself with our class from Methodist Secondary School

Me with the artisan that I helped write a business plan to expand and grow his business.