Bunge Cultivates a Greener Future and Empowers Communities in West Africa

At Bunge, we believe that true sustainability blossoms where life grows, quite literally. Our commitment to nurturing the environment and empowering the communities we operate in is deeply rooted in our actions, especially across the West African shea belt. We're proud to share the latest strides in our journey towards a more sustainable and equitable world.

Nurturing the Future: Shea Tree Planting in Burkina Faso

In August 2025, Bunge, alongside its valued partner the Global Shea Alliance launched a significant tree-planting initiative in Burkina Faso as part the of “Towards Climate Resilient Shea Communities in Togo and Burkina Faso’’ project. This project supported by the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Africa Climate Change Fund aims to reduce the climate vulnerability of 7,500 women shea collectors and their communities (30,000+ people). This vital activity, supervised by the Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research (INERA), took place in Samadeni and Orodara within the Hauts-Bassins region.

More than 200 dedicated women gathered to plant over 1,500 shea trees, among other native species. This effort was not just about increasing vegetation cover and mitigating deforestation; it was a meaningful act of empowerment. The participating women received comprehensive training on how to properly plant, conserve, and protect shea trees. This knowledge is invaluable, offering them new avenues for employment and income, and positioning them as key players in the fight against climate change. Every shea tree planted stands as a testament to Bunge's commitment to supporting women, fostering economic independence, and safeguarding our planet. This initiative is a cornerstone of Bunge's "Where Life Grows" program, aiming to positively impact 400,000 shea collecting women and their families by 2030 and plant at least 100,000 trees.

From Waste to Wonder: Bunge's Circular Economy Initiatives in Ghana

On October 24th & 25th, we witnessed the inspiring transformation of waste into valuable resources through community clean-up efforts, through our “Take on Plastic Pollution” initiative. A big thank you goes out to the Nasia Community in Ghana, where residents rolled up their sleeves to rid their surroundings of plastic waste. These clean-up efforts are crucial for sustainable development, as they reduce pollution and foster healthier ecosystems for current and future generations.

The journey didn't end with cleaning. It marked the beginning of a big dream to reimagine plastic waste. Bunge supported young people from six different rural areas, providing specific training on how to reuse plastic to produce valuable, functional, and low-cost items. This initiative not only reduces pollution but also builds essential skills and promotes a circular economy.

The outcomes have been truly remarkable:

• Safety & Health Protection: Demonstrating incredible ingenuity, participants produced raincoats from "sachet water" waste. These raincoats provide crucial safety and health protection for Shea Women, farmers, and children, especially during the rainy season, bringing an essential layer of safety to the communities and to the backbone of the shea industry.

• Empowerment through Skills Development: Through this training, various designs of bags are now being crafted from plastic waste, showcasing the potential of upcycling and empowering individuals with new skills.

• Job Opportunities and New Businesses: Young entrepreneurs have discovered how to develop sustainable businesses by collecting plastic sachets, washing and drying them, and then selling them to tailors and weavers. This creates a new value chain and economic opportunities within the communities.

• Social Inclusion and Well-being: The initiative has fostered opportunities for both men and women to improve their living standards through activities like waste collection, design, and creation, promoting greater social inclusion and overall well-being.

We were thrilled to collaborate with our partner, Eco Restore, for an impactful weekend focused on parkland regeneration through tree planting and vital community discussions. Beyond the physical act of planting, Eco Restore also facilitated an insightful discussion with the residents of Nasia. The session, themed "The Importance of Trees in the Community," fostered a greater understanding of the critical role trees play in our ecosystem.

At Bunge, we recognize our responsibility to protect our environment and create more opportunities for all. These initiatives, from planting shea trees to transforming plastic waste, embody Bunge's comprehensive approach to sustainability, impacting communities and the environment for a brighter tomorrow.
Read more about our Where Life Grows program here: Where Life Grows.