Circle of Goodness Part 1: Smallholder Farmers in Ghana

Let’s roll out some goodness! With more than 70% of Ghanaian farms being 5 hectares or less, it only makes sense that The Good Roll works hand in hand with specifically these farmers. As we are the first toilet paper brand in the world that has pledged to become Fair Trade, we’re dedicated to empowering our farmers through our 'Circle of Goodness'. What’s a ‘Circle Of Goodness’, you ask? Well, in short, it’s our plan to make sure revenues don’t disappear into the pockets of corporate giants, but rather end up directly with the farmers in Ghana. It’s inspired by the Fair Trade Principles we hold at our core. 

A Collaboration Between Experts

However, we quickly realized that we in no way can or want to execute this plan by ourselves. That is why we have partnered with INBAR, short for International Bamboo and Rattan Organization, a NGO that has its base in Ghana and China. Together we seek out smallholder farmers in the villages of Ghana, uncover their needs and evaluate their bamboo production abilities. However, as they are our experts for bamboo and bamboo agroforestry, they also assist us in creating farmer training programs to ensure that we pass on the relevant knowledge for these farmers to maximize their use of bamboo. 

Empowering Ghanaian Smallholder Farmers

Ever since the first day we stepped foot in sunny Ghana to finally start our trials, our mission has been to empower small farmers in Ghana. After many different field research initiatives with INBAR, we have chosen to focus our Circle Of Goodness on the 5th biggest region in Ghana: the Eastern region. Why? Because many of the farmers that are based here already have bamboo growing on their lands for decades, but currently aren’t able to harness its potential due to a lack of infrastructure and, most importantly, knowledge. Most of these farmers rely on traditional Ghanaian crops such as maize, cassava, and cocoa for their livelihoods but barely make a suitable income to have a decent quality of life for themselves and their families. We think that’s not fair. By giving these farmers practical tools and knowledge they are able to maximize the potential of their unused bamboo, we will be able to change what was once barely exceeding a few dollars a day to more than twice as much in the same month. 

Knowledge is power 

As part of our quest to become Fair Trade, we will also be creating small corporations in areas that have a concentration of bamboo farmers. With our partner INBAR we are able to supply our farmers with the necessary resources so more farmers in Ghana (and beyond) become aware that their bamboo is valuable and cannot only be used for something as innovative as bamboo toilet paper, but that the same pulp can also be used to replace paper bags, or even hygienic products such as menstrual pads. Through this unique collaboration with smallholder farmers, WFTO, INBAR and The Good Roll, governed by our 'Circle of Goodness,' we are ensuring that smallholder farmers in Eastern Ghana can diversify their income streams and produce a steady supply of bamboo for our production facility in Akosombo.

A fair world for everyone

Now you might be wondering - why are we doing all this? Well, at The Good Roll, we not only understand the significance of this unique partnership but also the significance of always remembering our mission: A fair world for everyone!  And 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 our previous article here!  

Crowdfunding

We invite you to become a crucial part of this radical change in the supply chain. By investing in our crowdfunding campaign, you're not just supporting the road towards the first Fair Trade toilet paper brand; you're becoming a champion for Ghanaian farmers, sustainable agriculture, and community development. Together, we can turn a simple daily ritual into a powerful force for positive change. Join us on this exciting journey towards a more ethical and eco-friendly future. Let's roll towards a brighter tomorrow, one roll at a time.