The project will engender a paradigm shift from
unsustainable to sustainable use of select wild resources,
(particularly the shea tree) under threat, to provide conservation
compatible livelihoods and a conservation incentive. Shea nut
collection and extraction of Shea butter is undertaken primarily by
women. During the war, groups of women nut collectors had to live
with the possibility of being kidnapped and suffering sexual
assault, but they were determined to find a way to look after their
families and collecting Shea nut provided one of the few income
generating possibilities. Since the end of the war, conditions for
Shea nut collection have improved. Two companies KfP International
and Guru Nanak Oil Mills are certified exporters of organic Shea
butter with the potential to export between 300-500 tons of Shea
butter per year; with earnings projected at about US$50 million in
foreign exchange 1 Harvesting of Shea trees is also an important
source of employment especially for women and children who do most
of the harvesting and processing. Women, therefore, stand to
continue to benefit from improved marketability of the shea nut
products. Furthermore, tourism will be a potential long-term
benefit, if the PAs are effectively managed. Already several
tourism companies run tours into the region and there is potential
for further growth.
