
Bidco Africa believes in inclusive growth, consequently it is offering small scale farmers opportunities for partnership in oilseed production (soybeans and sunflower).
The company currently works with 30,000 farmers across East Africa who it with supply oil seeds (soya beans and sunflower) for use in manufacturing its fats and edible oil products.
Bidco Africa offers farmers a ready market for their products at competitive market prices, and in turn the company secures the raw materials needed to meet market demand. This arrangement has helped to raise the living standards of small-scale farmers by assuring them of a sustainable and ready market for their produce.
In addition, Bidco Africa trains farmers in the production of oil seeds, which improves their yields and ultimately increases their incomes.
The company is also contracting farmers to grow and supply bamboo to power its factories in Thika and Ruiru. The firm, with a presence in 16 countries, uses more than 200 tonnes of macadamia and coffee husks per month to generate power. The supply of macadamia and coffee husks is, however, erratic and unsustainable. The company estimates it will require 6,000 tonnes a month to meet its energy needs.