Ugandan Firm Transforms Banana Waste into Sustainable Handicrafts, Adding Value to Agriculture

In a pioneering and sustainable endeavor, Ugandan startup TEXFAD is converting waste from the country’s substantial banana production into usable handicrafts by utilizing the fibers from banana stems. Uganda, noted for having the world’s highest banana consumption rate and being Africa’s top banana producer, has traditionally seen the stems discarded and left to rot after harvest. TEXFAD has innovatively begun purchasing these abundant stems, particularly from seven farmers’ groups in western Uganda, to extract fibers that are subsequently transformed into diverse items, such as hair extensions and home decor products. This initiative not only offers an ecological solution to managing agricultural waste but also generates additional income for local farmers and creates employment opportunities while yielding environmentally friendly, biodegradable products. The company is also venturing into developing fabrics and other items from banana fibers, exploring its potential while championing sustainability and supporting local agriculture.