Climate Change Poses Threat to Shea Butter Production in West Africa
Shea butter, also referred to as karite butter, is derived from the nuts of shea trees, which naturally flourish across the Sahel and savanna zones.
Nevertheless, irregular rainfall patterns, extended droughts, and bouts of heavy precipitation associated with climate change are diminishing yields and deteriorating the quality of the nuts, the report stated on Thursday.
The disturbances are already being experienced throughout the industry.
The Global Shea Alliance reports that over 8 million shea trees are lost annually due to deforestation and pressure on land.
“Shea production and harvesting are already severely disrupted,” remarked Obed Dadzie, marketing manager at The Savannah Fruits Company, which collaborates with more than 48,000 women across Ghana, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Mali.
“No supplier in the sector can keep up with global demand due to the impacts of climate change.”
Dadzie added that rainfall during the usual wet season has become progressively unpredictable, hindering tree growth and decreasing the fat content of the nuts, which directly reduces butter output.
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