In 2016 Bunge Loders Croklaan (IOI Loders Croklaan at the time) piloted a new shea roller tool to aid women in collecting the shea nuts in the field. This roller is an innovation which has its origins in New Zealand’s walnut sector. Bunge Loders Croklaan was the first major buyer to introduce the rollers. Several NGO’s have also started using the rollers.

After positively concluding the trial in 2016, Bunge Loders Croklaan has distributed an additional 100 rollers through its network directly to women across Burkina Faso in 2017. The communities spread the rollers per family courtyard (5 women on average), serving approximately 500 women in this project.

After evaluation through several feedback loops, three preliminary points stand out:

Safety:

• Less concern about scorpion-, snake- and insect bites
• Therefore there is no need to collect during nightfall or dawn, making collection moments more flexible

Physical:

• The use of the roller makes the work less heavy, leading to less physical strain
• Older women can participate again, enabling them to contribute to the family, which has a positive impact on their self-esteem

Time:

• Less time spent on collection for an equal yield
• The expectation is a better yield since the shea nuts can be collected faster