Context

In the last 20 years, global demand for shea has increased by 600%, and industry experts forecast a further 50% increase within the next 5 years. To guarantee the sustainability of the shea industry in terms of meeting demand trends, stakeholders are increasingly looking at Nigeria as a key actor in the supply chain.

Opportunity

Although Nigeria represents 23% of the land available for shea in West Africa, its share of commercial production and exports is only 10%. To meet the sustainably sourced demands of industry and to realize Nigeria’s potential, MEDA in partnership with AAK, Global Shea Alliance, and the National Association of Shea Products in Nigeria will use a direct sourcing model to organize supply networks of quality shea across Nigeria.

Strategy

Starting in Oyo State, MEDA will support implementation of AAK's direct sourcing model to create an organized network of women shea collectors providing quality shea in Nigeria. This model incentivises women shea kernel collectors by increasing shea-related incomes and building their capacity to engage in a global marketplace.

Learn more about women shea collectors in Nigeria by downloading our baseline survey highlights