- Researchers in Uganda use banana stems for fibre.
- Farmers often leave the stems in their gardens.
- The stems are usually waste after harvest.
- Scientists take fibre from the banana stems.
- They make cloth, hair items and sanitary pads.
- The raw fibre is stiff and coarse first.
- Researchers soften the fibre so it can spin.
- They hope the new work brings jobs.
Difficult words
- researcher — A person who studies and tests things.Researchers
- fibre — Thin material from plants or animals.
- stem — The long, thin part of a plant.banana stems, stems
- waste — Material that people do not use.
- soften — To make something less hard or stiff.
- sanitary pad — A product women use when they have their period.sanitary pads
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you seen banana stems or banana trees?
- Would you like to make cloth from plants?
- Do you think this work can bring jobs?
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