Long term shea sustainability partnership in Benin

In Benin, Bunge Loders Croklaan (BLC) has a long term partnership with Fludor, subsidi-ary of TGI. This major oil seed processing company in Benin has experience in cotton, shea, cashew and soya. Over the past years Bunge Loders Croklaan has supported Fludor in their Shea sustainability program, impacting 35 womens groups in the Northern Region of Benin. Fludor set up the program in direct relationship with groups of women who collect and process shea in different communities. The main focus is on supporting the farming communities, encourage positive and progressive changes to meet the needs of international markets and contribute to the establishment of a sustainable and equitable system for all actors.

The Fludor Sustainability program is highly valued by the womens groups and they sell their products (cashew, shea, soy) to Fludor year round. The success of this program can be subscribed to the methodology and long term perspective of the Fludor team. An extensive group identification process, various training modules, donation of materials and an ambitious system based on contracts and quality bonuses are the grounds for a successful ambitious Sustainability program.

2019 has been an exciting and rewarding year for the Sustainability program. The program impacted approximately 4000 members of the shea communities: 3954 women and 46 men from 2 municipalities in the North of Benin (Bassila and Djougou) received training and equipment.

BLC has been supporting the Sustainability program to strengthen the managerial and technical capacities of the women and improve their working conditions by donating shea rollers. The program in Benin brings several cooperative partners together with the objective to have a positive impact on the livelihoods of women collecting shea nuts.

The Global Shea Alliance (GSA) supports in providing capacity building training for women in the communities of the 2 municipalities. The Confederation of Independent Trade Union Organizations (COSI-Benin), supported by CNV International, provides training to women leaders on health and safety aspects in the picking and production of shea nuts. And on gender equity, human rights and decent work conditions, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) supports the program by creating awareness on themes such as gender-based violence and family planning.