Weaving a fairer future: gebana’s journey of empowering farmers

Imagine a path where cashew nuts and dried mangoes travel from the fields of West Africa directly to your table, carrying with them stories of empowered farmers, thriving communities, and a commitment to a healthier planet. This is the vision that drives gebana, a pioneering force in fair trade, as they work on a more equitable and sustainable agriculture.

Agriculture in Burkina Faso: unused potential, unmet needs

In Burkina Faso, nestled in the heart of West Africa, agriculture employs and contributes around a third of the country’s GDP. Agriculture is not only an economic pillar but also a key factor in addressing food security and promoting overall well-being. Cashew nuts, and dried mangoes, are crucial for the whole region. Burkina Faso boasts an estimated 6.2 million hectares of arable land but is in a region with long dry seasons. Traditional food chains struggle with limitations as the productivity is low due to a dominance of subsistence farming. Limited processing capacity forces valuable produce out of the region, unreliable infrastructure creates hurdles at every turn and middlemen chip away at farmers’ profits. This often translates to a cycle of poverty for producers and a disconnect for consumers, leaving a trail of missed opportunities.

gebana – building supply chains

gebana Faso (GBF), a subsidiary of gebana AG, aims to increase local value creation, create more jobs for the local populations and all of that in a sustainable way.

gebana: a legacy of fairness

• 1973: A group of Swiss women, passionate about fair trade, plant the seeds of change.
• 1988: The “Banana Women” formally establish the gebana association.
• 1998: The association blossoms into gebana AG, a joint-stock company.
• 2001: The first of gebana’s enduring partnerships with farmers takes root.
• 2002 onwards: Four subsidiaries take root around the world, amplifying their reach.
• 2023: gebana flourishes into a group with a turnover of 55 million euros, a testament to their unwavering commitment. Read the full story in the 2023 Report.

gebana is built on the philosophy rooted in direct sourcing, building long-term partnerships with farmers that bypass unnecessary intermediaries and ensure a larger share of the profits reaches the hands that nurtured the crops.

Organic and Fairtrade certifications are woven into the very core of their practices, prioritizing sustainable farming methods and offering premiums that empower farmers to invest in their land and livelihoods. Transparency is paramount, with a traceable supply chain that allows consumers to know the stories behind their food. But their vision extends far beyond simply connecting farmers to consumers. They are ardent believers in local value creation. By investing in processing facilities within the regions they source from, gebana creates a ripple effect of opportunity. Jobs are generated, local economies turn more resilient, and communities are strengthened from the ground up. This commitment is focused on shared success.

Together with BIO invest we spoke with Oskar Jönsson, gebana’s project manager. “Function before form,” emphasizes Jönsson, highlighting gebana’s philosophy.  “We prioritize the authenticity and quality of our food products, not aesthetics. We offer products like green oranges from Greece, often discarded for not meeting conventional appearance standards. This approach reduces food waste and benefits farmers by minimizing losses.”

From Field to Table: gebana’s B2C Approach

gebana’s dedication extends beyond sourcing directly from farmers. Through their webshop, they connect directly with European consumers, offering a unique B2C (Business-to-Consumer) experience. This approach fosters transparency and empowers consumers to make informed choices that support fair trade practices and sustainable agriculture.

From vision to reality: on the way to unveil “La Belle Usine”

Around 90% of West African cashews take a detour to Asia for processing. This not only adds unnecessary transportation emissions but also deprives local communities of valuable job opportunities and economic benefits. gebana breaks the mold by processing their cashews directly in Burkina Faso, at their factory in Bobo-Dioulasso. This commitment to local processing creates a ripple effect of positive impacts.

Of course, the road is not without its thorns. Political instability in the region necessitates a long-term commitment and a deep understanding of the local landscape. Infrastructure limitations, like Burkina Faso’s landlocked status which can hinder export efficiency, can disrupt production flows, and the immediate needs of farmers may sometimes overshadow the long-term benefits of sustainable practices.

“Our Cashew Nuts are Cracked Locally,” gebana proudly declares.

 

Investing in the Future:

Recognizing the need for increased processing capacity, GBF has secured crucial funding. A combined €6 million investment from AgriFI and BIO Invest, a Belgian development finance institution, is propelling GBF forward. This strategic financing will support the construction of a state-of-the-art processing facility in Bobo Dioulasso which will allow GBF to significantly increase processed volumes while optimizing sustainable energy use, minimizing their environmental footprint.

gebana tackles these challenges with innovative solutions. They foster strong partnerships with local communities and governments, navigating political currents and advocating for change. Their commitment to local processing is exemplified by the “La Belle Usine” (“The Beautiful Factory” in French) project in Burkina Faso. A giant leap forward, the factory is planned to significantly increase gebana’s capacity to process cashews and dried mangoes. This translates to a multitude of positive impacts: a surge in job creation, empowering thousands of families with new income opportunities, and a reduced environmental footprint through minimized transportation needs.

Oskar explains “Most of the currently 650 people working at our factory are women, many of whom face challenges finding regular jobs with good working conditions. At gebana, they receive an employment contract, health insurance, social security benefits, and access to a daycare center and health clinic, fostering a supportive work environment.”

In this transformation, AgriFI, managed by EDFI Management Company, plays a vital supporting role. Funded by the EU, and together with partners – co-investors BIO invest, we provided crucial financing. We act as a catalyst to empower small and medium-sized enterprises in the agricultural sector.

Advocating for Change, Building Bridges

gebana is an active champion for positive change in the industry, advocating for better legislation at national and European levels. “A prime example is our ‘Angry Gorilla’ campaign,” Jönsson explains. “We used this campaign to raise awareness about the abject conditions faced by many cocoa farmers and put pressure for a more ambitious European Union directive on corporate due diligence.” This directive would require companies to take responsibility for human rights and environmental abuses within their supply chains. While the specific directive gebana advocated for wasn’t successful in Switzerland, the EU recently passed the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive that gebana campaigned for with their “Angry Gorilla”.

In July 2023 AgriFI invested a total of EUR 3 million in GBF. The financing is aimed at supporting the creation of a new processing facility for cashews and dried mango in Bobo Dioulasso. The project will allow to increase processed volumes and optimize sustainable energy use.

Fairer trade

gebana’s story is a testament to the transformative power of fair trade. It’s a story built on resilience, innovation, and a deep respect for the land and the people who cultivate it. As La Belle Usine rises on the Burkina Faso landscape (Bobo-Dioulasso), it stands as a symbol of hope for empowered farmers, thriving communities, and conscious consumers.

gebana Burkina Faso (GBF): A subsidiary of the gebana group, GBF embodies their commitment to building integrated and sustainable food supply chains. Operating in Bobo Dioulasso, they source Fairtrade and Organic cashew nuts and dried mangoes directly from currently over 4,500 local farmers. This partnership empowers these communities and ensures a larger share of the profits reaches the hands that cultivate the land.

GBF’s premium pricing linked to organic and Fairtrade certifications ensures farmers receive a larger share of the profits. Additionally, a unique profit-sharing mechanism distributes 10% of gebana webshop turnover back to farmers, further solidifying their commitment to shared prosperity.