• oil extraction from sheanut kernel (vitellaria paradoxa
  • oil extraction from sheanut kernel (vitellaria paradoxa
  • oil extraction from sheanut kernel (vitellaria paradoxa
  • oil extraction from sheanut kernel (vitellaria paradoxa
  • Why is Vitellaria paradoxa important in Burkina Faso?
  • Vitellaria paradoxa (the shea tree) is extremely important in Burkina Faso. Termed "women's gold" by Burkinabé villagers, the nuts of shea tree can be collected and processed by crushing and grinding to yield shea butter, which is widely used in soap and in cosmetics as a moisturizer, salve, or lotion.
  • Why is parboiling of shea nuts important in Burkina Faso?
  • The quality of shea nuts and butter, both of which are also exported in large quantities from Burkina Faso, are basically dependent upon post harvest processing; in this process parboiling of shea nuts is carried out at the beginning of the season as it the eliminates germination and helps in faster drying.
  • Why are shea nuts important in Burkina Faso?
  • The bark of the tree is also used as an ingredient in traditional medicines and the shell of nut is said to be able to repel mosquitoes and is also said to protect existing trees. Shea nuts are important in the economy of Burkina Faso. It is the country's third most important export, after cotton and livestock.
  • Why are shea trees preserved under indigenous farming system?
  • Under indigenous farming system when clearing land for other agricultural activities, Shea trees are preserved and its exclusive plantation is restricted to avoid shading of other crops; however the operations of weeding and management of soil fertility adopted for other crops also facilitates shea tree growth.