Banana Fibre Bag

Yayra-Si Youth Foundation > Banana Fibre Bag

Banana Fibre Bag Project

The Banana Fiber Bag Project in Doryumu, Ghana, is a unique solution that will address the impacts of waste production, stimulate equitable job growth, and is a considerable leap forward in effective and responsible consumption.

This project aims to use the stems and leaves of the plentiful banana and plantain plants native to Ghana to create 100% biodegradable bags as a sustainable solution to plastic production. In addition, this project will create opportunities for:

          1. Employment and development of professional skills for women and girls

          2. Implementing a green and innovative business in Ghana to support sustainable global membership and development

          3. Providing 50% of all banana and plantain produce as food donation to communities facing food insecurity

The importance of this project is manifold, particularly for women and girls. Doryumu is currently experiencing a high adolescent pregnancy rate. Young girls face disproportionately fewer financial opportunities due to the rural location in Doryumu, inaccessibility of vocational training, and their gender. Therefore, women will be included in the entire process, gaining high management, production, and process engineering skills. Waste management has been an ongoing problem due to a two-fold problem of importing waste and the access and means for proper waste disposal. Millions of tonnes of plastic are imported into Ghana annually. However, throughout the country, improper waste disposal has led to fatal flooding. 

This project has already garnered the interest from the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports in Ghana and is set to fulfill an order for the Divine Lilies Hospital. The Adam’s Sustainability Award and the World’s Challenge Challenge fund this project on behalf of the University of Toronto and Western University, respectively. We aspire to tackle the Sustainable Development Goals 5 (Gender Equality), 6 (Climate Change), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and 10 (Reduced Inequalities).