Global InformationShea nut and butter production in Burkina Faso information
Vitellaria paradoxa (the shea tree) is extremely important in Burkina Faso. Termed "women's gold" by Burkinabé villagers, the nuts of shea tree can be collected and processed by crushing and grinding to yield shea butter, which is widely used in soap and in cosmetics as a moisturizer, salve, or lotion. Shea butter is also edible and may be used in food preparation; it is sometimes used in the manufacture of chocolate.[1] The bark of the tree is also used as an ingredient in traditional medicines and the shell of nut is said to be able to repel mosquitoes and is also said to protect existing trees.[1]
Shea nuts are important in the economy of Burkina Faso. It is the country's third most important export, after cotton and livestock. In 1997, an average tonne of unprocessed shea nuts sold domestically for CFA700,000 (US$980) and overseas for CFA1,000,000 (US$1400).[1] The most important centres of shea butter production are in Sissili Province and Ziro Province.[1]
- ^ a b c d "Wild Shea Tree Benifitting [sic] Burkina Faso: Women Engaged In Shea Sector Gain From Trade In 'Shea Butter'". Gender and Trade:Commonwealth secretariat. Retrieved 24 April 2011.