In a notable attempt to drive sustainability and improve women’s lives in rural Nigeria, Bunge and SALID Agriculture Nigeria Ltd. collaborated in introducing a transformative program within the Shea value chain. The latest transformation witnessed at SALID Agriculture Factory in Kudu, Niger State on May 13th 2025, highlights the potential of constructive transformation in rural areas, particularly among women who are involved in Shea nut value chains. The collaborative initiative not only aims at environmental sustainability, it further highlights women empowerment through innovative, healthy technologies, as well as practices.

Business Description: Bunge & Salid Agriculture Nigeria Ltd

Bunge, a global leader in agribusiness, has been focused on sustainability and community development for a long period of time. Through a partnership with SALID Agriculture Nigeria Ltd., a market leader in the Shea industry, the two companies undertook an initiative that improves women’s lives in the Shea value chain. The program centers on addressing key problems in the Shea industry, including threats to human health, low productivity in production value chains, and limited financial opportunities available to women.

Through this collaboration, Bunge and SALID Agriculture have sought to establish sustainable projects that will be advantageous both environmentally as well as to women whose livelihoods rely upon the Shea industry.

Sustainability Program: Empowering Women in the Shea Value Chain

A central feature of the partnership is a targeted sustainability program aimed at improving both the health and efficiency of women working within the Shea value chain. At the heart of this initiative is the distribution of 200 Shea Rollers to 50 cooperatives in the region across Niger state, Kaduna State and Abuja. The Shea Rollers are specifically designed to reduce the health risks associated with traditional Shea nut picking methods, which often involve manual labor that is both strenuous and harmful to the workers.

By adopting these innovative tools, women can work more efficiently, reducing strain on their bodies and increasing productivity. The program is a perfect example of how sustainable innovation can make a real difference in improving the lives of rural women while promoting more eco-friendly practices.

Benefits of Shea Rollers: Health, Efficiency, and Empowerment

The distribution of Shea Rollers to local cooperatives has brought about immediate and tangible benefits for the women involved. Traditional Shea nut processing methods often result in back pain, muscle strain, and long-term health problems due to the repetitive, strenuous tasks. By using the Shea Rollers, the workers can now process Shea nuts in a way that minimizes physical stress, leading to improved health outcomes.

Additionally, the increased efficiency brought about by the Shea Rollers means that women can process more Shea nuts in a shorter amount of time, boosting their productivity. This, in turn, translates to higher income and a better standard of living for women and their families. As more women become empowered economically, they are able to make decisions that benefit not only their households but also their communities.

Participant and Stakeholder Testimonies

Maryam, of Kudu Cooperative, contributed as follows:
“It was slow, cumbersome, and hurtful work picking Shea nuts before getting The Shea Rollers. But now it’s much quicker work, and I work more comfortably. “

Abdullahi, who represented Salid Agriculture Nigeria Ltd., added:
“This program is a game-changer. By providing these women with what they need to succeed, both in terms of tools and training, we’re not only improving their health and income, but strengthening the entire Shea value chain. Everyone benefits.”

Fuller Picture of Whole Communities and Women’s Livelihoods

The impact of this partnership extends far beyond short-term improvements in the Shea value chain. Through empowerment of women in rural villages, Bunge and Salid Agriculture are helping to create a more sustainable, brighter future. When women are equipped with better-quality tools, education, and income streams, they are in a better position to reinvest in families and communities, sponsoring community-level education, medical care, and other vital services.

The program also has a more extensive ripple effect in other sectors, such as in agriculture, in healthcare, and in education. It could be replicated in other rural settings if this program is successful, showing how sustainable models can drive both economic and social reform. The program makes women more empowered, reducing inequalities by gender and encouraging more gender equity in rural Nigeria.

Conclusion

Bunge and Salid Agriculture Nigeria Ltd.’s partnership is a powerful demonstration of women’s empowerment and sustainability being mutually compatible. Through access to Shea Rollers and the broader sustainability program, this initiative is not only disrupting the value chain of Shea, it’s also improving Niger State women’s lives. When more women are empowered with healthier, more efficient tools and more economic opportunities, there is a trickle-down positive impact that extends across the community. That’s a huge step in the direction of a more sustainable and equal world for all.