Building a stronger shea industry for women, communities and Ghana’s future

Story by: Regina Bless

Ghana’s shea industry has the potential to become a major source of economic empowerment, industrial growth and sustainable development, particularly for the communities that have nurtured the resource for generations.

Speaking at the World Shea Expo in Tamale, attention was drawn to the need to build an industry that ensures more of the value generated from shea remains with the people and communities at the heart of its production.

Often described as “women’s gold,” shea provides livelihoods for thousands of women across the shea belt. However, for this description to have real meaning, women must have greater access to finance, technology, markets and opportunities to establish and own businesses throughout the shea value chain.

The proposed Women’s Development Bank could play an important role by improving access to appropriate financing for women entrepreneurs. Many women already possess the knowledge, skills and experience needed to run their businesses but require accessible capital to expand their operations and increase production.

The future of the industry must also be supported by research and innovation. At the demonstration farm in the Futa Community, the symbolic planting of specially selected shea seedlings highlighted the potential for research into improved varieties to strengthen productivity and create new opportunities for farmers and industry.

Closer collaboration among universities, research institutions, farmers and businesses could help Ghana develop new products, improve processing and create more opportunities for young people within the shea value chain.

With sustained investment, stronger research and improved access to finance, Ghana’s shea belt can develop into a major centre for processing, innovation and commerce—ensuring that more of the wealth created from this valuable natural resource remains in the communities where the journey begins.