African Bamboo has conducted multiple training events with its stakeholders over the years, dating back to 2010 when activities first commenced. Over the years AB has trained over 2,000 farmers with the support of the Germany Technical Cooperation Agency GIZ. Training has included sessions on bamboo propagation, silviculture, harvesting, extraction, culm grading and quality control.

Meanwhile, we have conducted numerous consultations including during initial community engagement, and as part of social baseline surveys to document community culture, practices, norms, and use of bamboo. We also conducted consultations during our Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), as required by national law, IFC's social and environmental sustainability performance standards, and FSC's principles and criteria. The ESIA was conducted by TetraTech to make sure that smallholder operations will not negatively impact communities or the environment.

Our most recent consultations focused on securing community input regarding the sustainability of African Bamboo's proposed operations as part of investor due diligence. The consultations were conducted by Dr. Motuma Tolera and his team from the University of Hawassa, hired by the principal consulting firm, Form International, based in the Netherlands.