Circle of Goodness Part 1: Bamboo Farmers in Ghana

Let’s roll out some goodness! With over 70% of Ghanaian farms being 5 hectares or less, it only makes sense that The Good Roll would work hand in hand with these farmers. As the first toilet paper brand in the world to commit to Fair Trade, we feel it’s super important to support Ghanaian farmers through our ‘Circle Of Goodness’. What’s a ‘Circle Of Goodness’ you ask? Well, in short, it’s our plan to ensure that the proceeds from bamboo cultivation don’t end up in the pockets of big corporations, but instead go directly to the farmers in Ghana. It’s inspired by the Fair Trade principles that we hold dear.

A collaboration between experts

We quickly realized that there was no way we could or would want to execute this plan. That is why we entered into a partnership with INBAR, the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization, an NGO active in Ghana and China. Together we find small farmers in the villages of Ghana, map their needs and assess their bamboo production capacities. Since they are our experts in bamboo and bamboo agroforestry, they help us set up training programs for other farmers. In this way, together we can ensure that we pass on the necessary knowledge to other farmers, so that everyone can make optimal use of bamboo.

Supporting Ghanaian farmers

Since the day we set foot in sunny Ghana, our mission has been to support smallholder farmers in Ghana. After many different research initiatives, we at INBAR decided to focus our ‘Circle Of Goodness’ on the fifth largest region in Ghana: the Eastern region, Akosombo. Why? Because many of the farmers based here have been growing bamboo on their land for years, but are currently unable to utilise its full potential due to a lack of infrastructure and knowledge. Most of these farmers depend on traditional Ghanaian crops such as maize, cassava and cocoa for their livelihood, but barely earn enough to have a decent quality of life for themselves and their families. We think that is not fair. By giving these farmers practical tools and knowledge, they can maximise the potential of their unused bamboo, allowing them to earn more than twice as much in the same month as they used to.

Knowledge is power

As part of our efforts to become Fair Trade, we will also establish smallholder cooperatives in areas with groups of bamboo farmers. Thanks to our partner INBAR, we can provide our farmers with the necessary resources so that over time more and more farmers in Ghana (and beyond) will realize the value of their bamboo and can use it not only for something as innovative as bamboo toilet paper, but also to replace paper bags or even hygiene products such as sanitary towels. Through this unique partnership with smallholder farmers, WFTO, INBAR and The Good Roll, managed by our 'Circle Of Goodness', we ensure that smallholder farmers in Eastern Ghana can diversify their income sources and produce a steady supply of bamboo for our production facility in Akosombo.

A fair world for everyone

You might be wondering why we do all this. Well, at The Good Roll, our mission is at the heart of everything we do: A fair world for all! We won’t stop until we see sustainable economic growth, reduced youth unemployment, and safe toilets for everyone.

Want to know more about our Circle Of Goodness? Read the blog here !

Crowdfunding

We invite you to become an essential part of this radical change in the supply chain. By investing in our crowdfunding campaign, you will not only support the journey to the first Fair Trade toilet paper brand, you will also become a champion for Ghanaian farmers, sustainable agriculture and community development. Together, we can transform a simple daily ritual into a powerful force for positive change. Join us on this exciting journey towards a more ethical and environmentally friendly future. Let’s move towards a brighter future, one roll at a time.