Stakeholders unite to safeguard Shea ecosystem, environmental sustainability
By Abigael Joshua
Stakeholders from the Shea sector convened in Abuja to address the pressing need for protecting the Shea ecosystem and promoting environmental sustainability.
This was the thrust at the 2024 Annual Conference of the Global Shea Alliance titled “Shea 2024″.
During the conference hosted by the National Shea Product Association of Nigeria (NASPAN), participants underscored their commitment to preserving the Shea tree and advancing efforts against climate change.
The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, highlighted significant strides, revealing the planting of over 15,000 Shea trees across beneficiary countries to ensure sustainability.
“Trade in Shea products remains rooted in sustainable practices and all stakeholders have a critical role to play which ensure the preservation of the Shea tree and also continues the fight against climate change.
“Shea butter has been referred to as women’s gold for centuries currently over 16 million women in West Africa make a living from farming and processing Shea nuts it is estimated that women make 237 million dollars in direct income from Shea.
“85 per cent of Shea exports is used as cocoa butter equivalent and 25 per cent are used for cosmetics.’’
Okonjo-Iweala said cosmetics Shea market, valued at over 600 million dollars, is projected to reach approximately 850 million dollars by the end of 2027.
The Emir of Keffi Kingdom, Alhaji Shehu Chindo Yamusa, raised awareness about potential threats to Shea trees, emphasising the vital role they play in providing ecosystem services such as erosion control and groundwater recharge.
In spite of the global demand for Shea butter, he cautioned against overlooking local causes and consequences related to felling Shea trees.
Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger, represented by Mr Aminu Takuma, Commissioner of Investment, urged collaboration among Shea value chain stakeholders to overcome challenges in the Nigerian Shea Industry.
He sees the conference as a landmark gathering to address sustainability issues.
Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, commended the Global Shea Alliance’s impact on international commodity organisations.
She emphasised the relevance of bridging the gap between policies and implementation for effective service delivery.
“The theme of this edition is highly germane to the country’s current economic experience.
“It is a well-known fact that without bridging the gap between policies and implementation; other efforts to improving service delivery will not be effective at all.
“We will also continue to provide physical infrastructures for existing investments to thrive and make every part of the country attractive to new investors,” the minister assured.
Mrs Nonye Ayeni, Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), expressed satisfaction with Shea being a significant product for the council.
According to her, for so many reasons, as over 80 per cent of the people involved in Shea trade is women.
“Global market value for chocolate is estimated to be approximately 113.16 billion dollars in 2021 and expected to reach 156.74 billion dollars in 2030.
“For the cosmetics industry, it stands at 380.2billion dollars and is expected to reach 453.0 billion dollars in 2026.
“The opportunities for Shea to transform Nigeria’s economy includes in the area of job creation, value addition and women empowerment,” she explained.
Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo
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