Information and promocion centres for the Shea tree

Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa or Butyrospermum parkii) is an indigenous tree occurring in many West African countries including Burkina FasoThe shea fruit consists of a thin, tart, nutritious pulp that surrounds a relatively large, oil-rich seed from which shea butter (in french beurre de karité) is extracted. Throughout Africa, shea nut is used extensively for food, medicine, rituals, and culture. It is an important source of revenue for millions of Africans and women in particular. Industrial uses are in cosmetics, chocolate industry; local industry residues are used for animal feed. The main threats to shea production in Burkina Faso include uncontrolled bush fires, overexploitation of shea trees for fuel wood, use of chemical fertilizers, the destruction of shea plantation due to roads and farming expansion. Likewise lots of waste is registered during traditional processing of shea nut. An alarming loss of shea trees has been registered in the past 10 years in many areas, and today this important commodity is nearing extinction. In order to reverse this trend, ASY a local Ngo proposes through this project on one hand to promote biological farming, and improve methods in harvesting and processing of shea nuts. And on the other hand to engage in lobbying and defense actions towards the local administrators, traditional and customary authorities for a change of attitude in favor of women access rights to shea resources. The project goal is to protect shea tree and ensure women access to shea resources In particular the project specific objectives are to: Ensure environmental protection through planting of shea tree Creation shea parc at Sapouy in order to ensure shea species conservation Defend and ensure access rights and control on shea resources for women Expected results include: Community members master the technique and reforestation of shea tree Increased awareness amongst community on threats to shea tree production and reduction of man-made threats to shea tree Develop, adopt and implement relevant laws and regulation for the protection of shea tree A legislation that guarantees land tenure rights to women is in place Women shea butter production groups in Sapone and Bousse, acquire their production land with a legal status. Activities include: reforestation, establish a shea tree parc, awareness raising, train on grafting techniques. Lobby for women land rights.