BUYER

LINKAGES PROGRAM
MUTUBA TREE (BARK) AGRIBUSINESS PRODUCTS

Asensu Holdings Social Investment Team

July 2017

Elgeyo Marakwet Foundation

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Based on the Ugandan ecosystem, the potential of certain products to be profitable exports
is only undermined by unreliable supply chains, the destruction of natural resources or
lack of information as to the value of certain raw materials. This document aims to
highlight untapped industrial products and raw materials that are ideal for the buyer
linkage program, and the African Development Fund. This document identifies current
production, supply and scalability of products and proposes value addition across the
entire value chain that will encourage or secure partnerships with international companies
while creating a win-win scenario for buyer, supplier and producer.

Ugandas agricultural endowment creates the opportunity to utilize indigenous raw

materials to create high value-added products with significant export potential, enhancing
employment and economic security among the cash poor and historically disadvantaged.
Sustainability, financial empowerment and environmental protection are the core elements
underlying the Buyer Linkage Program- a program supported by donor groups to bring
indigenous value added products of natural origin in Africa to developed markets. The key
product choices, listed below, reflect these core values.:

Bark cloth
Shea butter
Cocoa
Alfalfa
Pineapples
Avocado
Livestock (leather & beef)
Cotton
Honey(other bee keeping related products)

The focus however will be on the commercial use of the Bark Tree, out of Uganda, through
the sustainable conversion of Bark tree parts into consumer products. The ultimate goal is
to create a commercial incentive for communities to continue to practice conservation
during the process of securing a livelihood from products derived from the Bark tree.

A Buyer Linkages program is envisaged to be the optimal entry point into the big basket
consumer shops in the US, Canada and the EU. Securing the right relationships through
established channels in the program will assure healthy price margins to adequately
provide sustainable incomes for whole communities engaged in this business venture.

BARK CLOTH

Bark cloth is an ancient textile of African origin. It has been used by many societies for a
wide range of ceremonial and practical applications such as apparel, accessories, and
bedding. Bark cloth is a type of fabric traditionally made from the bark of the Mutuba tree
(Ficus natalensis) a fig tree in the family Moraceae. It is also known as the Natal fig. It is
characterized by its unique texture. While in certain communities, most notably Uganda
and Hawaii, bark cloth is still made from bark, the majority of commercially available bark
cloth is in fact made from cotton or cotton blends featuring rayon or linen fibers. Unlike
most textiles, original bark cloth is not woven or knitted. These sheets can be dyed,
embellished and painted with patterns and ornamentation, and used in a wide variety of
final applications including apparel, interior dcor and construction.

The Mutuba tree is distributed across northeastern parts of South Africa to Uganda and
Kenya. In Uganda Bark cloth-making is an ancient craft practiced by the Baganda people of
the Buganda kingdom in central Uganda. Traditionally, craftsmen of the Ngonge clan,
headed by a kaboggoza, the hereditary chief craftsman of the clan manufactured the bark
cloth for the Buganda royal family and the rest of the community.

Its preparation involves one of humankinds oldest savoir-faire, a prehistoric technique

that predates the invention of weaving. The Bark cloth is harvested during the wet season
and then, in a long and strenuous process, beaten with different types of wooden mallets to
give it a soft and fine texture; cloth is only one of the many applications of this material.
Bark cloth has been incorporated into many modern products, including; clothing,
accessories; house wares, building material, interior design, and art. Creating a global
demand for Ugandan non synthetic bark cloth will help to create sustainable industries in
Uganda that will create sub-industries that in turn will create jobs and wealth in the long
run in addition to simultaneously protecting indigenous tree species and traditional
Ugandan culture. It would also empower the growing number of local and international
enterprises currently selling these crafts locally and abroad.

Types of Mutuba tree in Uganda

Ntawebwa
Namweruka,
Mmeembe,
Enserere
Butana

The varieties of Mutuba tree can be differentiated in a number of ways; the shape of their
leaves and their durability, and the shade and softness of the cloth they produce.

MAJOR BARK LOCATIONS

Bark cloth in Uganda is harvested from the Mutuba tree. The harvesting process is
skillfully done by trained members of the community to ensure the tree is preserved in its
natural form. This process does not harm the tree, the bark of the tree regenerates and can
be harvested repeatedly over a 40 of year period. Harvesting involves removing layers of
the bark of the Mutuba tree; artisans then treat the bark. It is a great example of an
environmentally friendly, renewable material. However due to deforestation and a lack the
generational transfer of information, the science and art of cultivating Mutuba trees is
disappearing with the aging population. Deforestation of indigenous forest throughout the
country is decimating Mutuba tree populations. Without government intervention on the
local and federal level the number of these precious trees will continue to decline.

In Nsangwa village, Buyinja parish, Buwama sub county Mpigi district. There is an academy
focused on educating people about Mutuba trees. Over 600 trees have been planted here.

Additionally, despite being core to creating community around the tree, Mutuba tree
organizations need to educate community youth on the benefits of preserving and
cultivating Mutuba trees for the sake of the environment and for the fiscal security of
communities where the plantation is located. The success of this initiative combined with
the historical and cultural significance bark cloth holds in Uganda, will help protect the
trees and stimulate interest in the industry.

WHERE BARK IS IN UGANDA

BARK SUPPLY CHAIN

There two main established models for supply of the product from growth and harvesting
to value addition and sales. Along the whole value chain is the concept of trust and
accountability. The originators of timber product always have to retain joint accountability
for the sustainability of the final product at the end of the chain.

The two main supply chain models we identified as standard are diagramed below:

i. Typical Input Supplier Model: where the producers of Bark have to rely on a single agent
store or stores typically far away from the nearest plantation, to access advise, inputs, sales
and treatment products. This model, while unsustainable, has prevailed over the past
several decades. It forms a key area of change in this proposal.

There are many challenges with this model that have also contributed to the state of the
industry today. Part of the proposal for a buyer linkages solution to the Bark tree industry
will go a long way towards addressing this problem.

ii. The Village Agent Model: many agriculture and renewable energy sector players have
used this model successfully as a most efficient and viable strategy to grow businesses and
industries in off-grid and rural areas. It has been recommended to provide the best means
of empowering actors in the Bark chain whiles growing the industry along the whole value
chain.

In this scenario, vendors identify credible and reliable parties in the village environment
who can act as agents and service support actors for buyers and users of inputs. This
assures sustainability of service, pricing and affordability.

POTENTIAL FOR SCALING

Secondly local bark cloth manufacturers would need to establish security and leverage
structures such as organizing to support scaling up the production side of the industry
coupled with continuing research to derive additional applications for the biomaterial.
Other opportunities include being focused on improvements to the refining processing
methodologies through the discovery of new applications. This process would grow the
industry and create satellite industries that will improve quality, reduce costs and increase
efficiency.

Other potential areas for scaling involve tracking the amount of raw bark being traded
among practitioners as an avenue to tracking the success of conservation efforts. This
initiative will provide the impetus to explore trade marks and other proprietorship

initiatives for industry members and producers of the various Mutuba tree products to and
within countries around the world. Farmers and manufactures in the countries where the
product is found will reap the substantial rewards through win-win buyer linkage
scenarios and increased leverage through organized negotiations. A credible example of
such an initiative is village agent model, where a village agent (person or persons)
identifies farmers challenges and develops targeted advisory assistance on proven inputs
and their application. The agent can further place bulk orders which makes more economic
sense for input suppliers to focus take notice on producers because through the village
agent they are aware that the supply can match the demand as a customer base develops
and grows.

BARK CLOTH PRODUCTION

Bark cloth processing is a time consuming and labor-intensive process, on average it costs
about Ush30,000 per square meter (US$ 9). However the challenge remains in the inability
to guarantee constant supply of the product especially for large order sizes given its low
production scalability. In order to achieve consistent quality and supply there needs to be
a concerted collaborative effort of Mutuba tree growers and harvesters developed in-
country and consisting of key service providers able to provide all manner of support and
value add, and to build capacity, increase awareness on the benefits and role of the tree,
increase tree planting and production, in addition to enhancing preservation efforts of
existing populations.

PRODUCTION & SUPPLY CHAIN

Masaka is a large town in the Central Region of Uganda, west of Lake Victoria and a major
source of bark production. Currently bark cloth supply and production in Uganda is low
and unreliable with few producers on large scale. To create a stronger production and
supply chain, tree cultivation would require larger scale under organized management to
oversee productivity.

According to a local expert, Mutuba tree require 10ft x 10ft spacing. 40 trees an acre,
however he prefers to inter crop his plantation as it is better for the soil and healthier for
the trees, inter cropped Mutuba require 20ft x 20ft, allowing for 20 trees an acre. After
three years you can begin harvesting. Every six months the bark regenerates and is ready
to be harvested again.

 4.4.2 Production Flow Chart of Bark Cloth

The bark cloth production involves a lot of processes till its final stage when it fully becomes a
fabric that is ready to wear.

PRODUCTION FLOW CHART - Bark Cloth Production:

Production Boiling The beating Folding & Final sun-

Process Process Process Streching drying

Selection of Stiching if Finished

Tree necessary Product

Scraping of The beating

the most Process
outer layer

Marking Bark Sun Drying

Process

Slitting of the
bark

Taking off
Bark

Wrapping of
the tree stem

STEP 1
THE FUTURE
The rough outer layer of the tree is carefully scraped off the tree using a small panga. After the
Given current lack of information concerning supply constraints the best way to insure
barkof the tree is cleared, the omukomazi uses a knife locally known as a kaso akoogi to map and
production and supply of bark cloth to buyers is to establish Mutuba plantations. With a
cut the outline of the barkneeded. A ladder traditionally known as nkandago in, is used to reach the
target of a 100,000 trees to provide a consistent supply of the raw bark for processing.
15

APPLICATIONS

Products

1. Bark Cloth: handbags, belts, dog leashes, watch straps, bracelets, suitcases, car
interiors, Table mats, Lamp shades, Bark cloth carpet.
2. Bark Paper: Bleached bark cloth Birthday cards wedding invitations, luxury
diaries and note books exercises book.
3. Bark Fiber Glass
4. Water resistant bark cloth for outdoor clothing and canvas.
5. Bark Cloth bags for planting tree
6. Bark Cloth grocery bags
7. Mutuba Milk: Bark Cloth soaked in water. The water is used to feed animals, helps
them produce more milk and stay healthy
8. Residual Water from boiled Bark is quality sap that is used as an organic fertilizer.
9. Bark cloth, is a reliable repellant of malaria-carrying mosquitos.

Services
In addition to this centers or schools where the art and craft of bark cloth making
can be taught, preserved and expanded on must be created.to ensure that orders
placed with BLP companies meet The Buyer cost, quality and volume requirements,
firms will need to be created to handle the following investment criteria:

a) Supply coordination;

b) Financial management tools;

c) Production management,

d) Quality control;

e) Packaging and shipping;

f) Export administration and factory compliance;

g) Short and long-term financing;

h) Market & Advertising

DEMAND

Due of strong competition from other materials, bark product manufacturers will have to
advertise their wares vigorously, and strive to educate the public in their use in order to
gain wide consumer acceptance.

Today the majority of commercially available bark cloth is made not from tree bark but
from cotton or cotton blends featuring rayon or linen fibers. To most buyers it is the
texture alone that defines bark cloth, rather than the type of fiber used to construct it.
While in certain communities, most notably Uganda and Hawaii, bark cloth is still made
from traditional plant materials. With the availability of alternatives traditional 100% bark
cloth has a very limited global demand.

POTENTIAL BUYERS

A 15-year program established to support African originated manufactured crafts and

goods under the moniker Buyer Linkages Program (BLP)- provides one of the largest and
tested platforms for delivering market fulfillment for African made natural goods.

BLP was initiated under the US African Development Foundation Trade and Investment
Program under the auspices of the American governments African Growth and
Opportunity Act (AGOA), passed in 2000 and reauthorized for another 10 years. The
program has the sole purpose of promoting the growth of African enterprises through the
manufacture and export of community-led or associated sustainable goods into the US
market on a tax-duties advantaged basis.

In its initial launch in 2005 under the US African Development Foundation, over 2- dozen
big box sustainable US retailers participated to engage in imports of over US$3 Billion over
a 10 year period.

S.W.O.T ANALYSIS

Strengths

Bark cloth is a renewable resource, with numerous applications, including apparel and
construction.
UNESCO has recognized bark cloth making in Uganda as a masterpiece and part of the
world's intangible heritage.
Bark cloth making has been recognized as a vehicle for empowerment of women and
the youth
Teaching the art of bark cloth harvesting and processing preserves the local history
and culture of the region for later generations.
The bark cloth industry requires the continual planting and conservation of Uganda
indigenous forest with a focus on Mutuba and the other fauna that support its natural
ecosystem. This helps the environmental and the protection of indigenous forest in
Uganda and sub Saharan Africa as a whole.
Ugandan artist and fashion designers, Jose Hendo, Gloria Wavamunno promote the use
of the material by using it in collections and art pieces that are displayed globally
The US Department of State funded a program that provided $35,000 for the
revitalization of the Ancient craft of bark cloth making.
The tree is also planted to be a protector of cash crops from the elements of the east
African climate.
Great companion plant for the nations main food crop bananas and for cash crops like
coffee. The Mutuba tree acts as a windbreaker and aid in water retention.

Weaknesses

Suppliers and producers of bark cloth products in Uganda are unorganized.

Production Volume and quality of supply is inconsistent.
Information on existing capacity and availability of skilled artisans/producers of bark
cloth is unknown
Information about demand for bark cloth products abroad is limited at best.
Bark cloth textures can be imitated by other materials namely the blending of cotton
and rayon and linen, the majority of commercially available bark is produced in this
manner.
Bark cloth has already been trade marked in Germany.

Potential Opportunities

Fashion designers like Jose Hendo and Gloria Wavamunno use bark in collections that
are displayed at local and international fashion shows. Interest in using the material for
apparel is growing rapidly.
Local artist and producers are experimenting with the material and finding new
applications and refinement process that expand the uses of the material.
Companies in Europe and the United States are already selling bark cloth products on
online and in storefronts so a market exists for bark cloth internationally.
Turning the harvesting, treating and producing of bark cloth products will discourage
the deforestation of indigenous plants in the region and encourage reforestation.
The development of this industry will create jobs in forestry manufacturing and sales in
remote under developed areas that are in need economic stimulation.
The Kenyan government is outlawing the use of plastic bags this creates an opportunity
for alternative materials (bark cloth) to be used in the production of shopping bags on a
huge scale.
Bark cloth can be used to produce paper this provides an alternative to cutting down
treats to produce paper for books.

Threats

Synthetic bark cloth that was developed using cotton, rayon and linen
Deforestation for timber & charcoal
Limited capacity vis a vis Bark cloth harvesting and production.
Unfair trade agreements that already exist between Foreign companies/individuals
and Bark cloth producers
Bark Cloth association with death and funerals discourages some people from taking an
interest in the product locally.

SELECT MARKET PLAYERS

CURRENT MARKET PRICES

Country Size Products Cost to Local Price Price

make per Abroad
square
& Online
meter

Uganda 1 sq. meter Bark cloth 3,000 30,000 2-3 euros

Uganda Uganda per sq. meter
shillings shillings

Indonesia 1 sq. meter Bark cloth Unknown $5.65-$15 $65 per bag

Hawaii Per yard Bark cloth Unknown $24-$35 $100-$125

CONCLUSION

Bark cloth presents the people of Uganda with a great opportunity to build a local industry
that in turn will preserve and cultivate the history and culture of the region. The prospects
will simultaneously conserve and regrow/cultivate indigenous trees combating
desertification and deforestation, caused by illegal logging and the expansion of the Sahara.
Much more information is needed in order to effectively achieve a win-win buyer linkage
scenario. The lack of accurate information on the number of Mutuba tree and where they
are located make it difficult to determine if a steady supply can be maintained and how
much input it would require to scale up the entire industry.

In order for this to be successful buyer linkage program the amount of input in the form of
infrastructure education and product development and cash must be less than the amount
social economic profit gained by developing this industry. And with steep competition
coming from the already established cotton industry would Bark cloth realistically be able
to out compete against cheaper more widely used alternatives. The short answer in terms
of price and market penetration is not in the foreseeable future. However if farmers and
artisans innovate and increase the value, longevity and multipurpose use of Mutuba tree
products, buyers can be convinced to switch from more established materials. This coupled
with Mutuba trees being grown in tandem with cash crops like coffee, Bananas, peas and
cardamom for example keeps the land productive improves water retention in the soil and
protects the crops from climatic variables giving the farmers added value service and an
alternative source of income. Further more all waste products from the Mutuba tree and
bark cloth production process should be utilized. The water that is used to boil the bark
and remove the sap can be sold as fertilizer for other crops or sold to dairy farmers to
increase their animals production of milk. The seeds have medicinal applications and can
be used to supplement ones diet. Bark cloth has great potential however a lot of
investment in reliable supply, production, marketing, wholesale buyers and retail sales is
required before it can be viable.

References

https://www.biooekonomie-bw.de/en/articles/news/bark-cloth-europe-success-through-saving-
resources/#glossar628
http://www.africanfabric.co.uk/fabrics-textiles/african-fabrics/bark-cloth/c/bark-cloth
http://ntfp.org/2016/12/barkcloth/
https://www.barkclothhawaii.com/big/banana_leaf.html#crepe
https://www.usadf.gov
Factors_Buyer_Supplier_Links_0 (1).pdf