Across West Africa’s Shea Belt, from the savannahs of Northern Ghana to the plains of Burkina Faso, from the woodlands of Niger State to the shifting zones of Northern Côte d’Ivoire, the shea economy, long a foundation of women’s livelihoods, is under siege.
Rainfall has become erratic. Droughts now arrive every 2–3 years. Flash floods wash away farms and infrastructure. Rising temperatures expose women to unsafe working conditions, and desertification shrinks the habitat of the shea tree itself.
Women face systemic barriers to land, credit, and markets. Prices remain unstable, middlemen take the lion’s share, and value is lost before it can reach the communities that sustain the shea economy.
At the same time, youth, seeing few options and even fewer rewards, are migrating in search of work. As they leave, the intergenerational chain that once passed down knowledge, tradition, and ecological stewardship begins to fray.
And so a quiet crisis deepens: a climate-resilient, women-led industry that has sustained generations is fading from view.
But WIAN sees within this crisis a rare opportunity: to reimagine shea not as a relic of the past, but as a foundation for a bold, youth-driven, climate-smart future. A future built on freedom, freedom to adapt, to earn, to lead, and to stay.
Shea, derived from the nuts of the Vitellaria paradoxa tree native to West Africa, has long been revered for its powerful medicinal properties. Rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins A and E, shea butter is a natural anti-inflammatory that promotes skin regeneration, soothes irritation, and accelerates wound healing. Traditionally used to treat burns, muscle aches, and even respiratory issues, it also serves as a protective barrier against harsh environmental conditions. Its antifungal and antibacterial qualities make it effective in treating minor infections, while its deeply moisturizing properties support overall skin and scalp health. For centuries, communities have harnessed the healing power of shea as a trusted, plant-based remedy woven into daily care and wellness.
