The aim of this work is to analyze the problems of the production process and trade in the shea chain in Ghana so as to
facilitate and improve the activities of those engaged in the business, policy making or research in the shea sector.
The shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) is indigenous to Sub-Saharan region of Africa and crucial to savanna ecosystems and
peoples. Shea fruits are mainly collected, sold or processed into multipurpose butter. The demand for shea butter, a substitute
to cocoa butter is rapidly growing in global trade of raw materials for the food and cosmetic industries. This is an opportunity
to boost income to the rural women. In this article we therefore look at the role of shea nut as a source of income in the
northern part of Ghana, West Africa’s second largest shea exporter. We focused on the collection of shea fruits from the
forest, process of preparation of shea butter and the marketing of the end product and the constraints faced in the industry are
discussed. Finally, we point to the importance of shea nut in striving for financial independence of rural women in the abovementioned
area. The opportunity to use shea nuts as an alternative source of their livelihood is also discussed.
The authors also suggest that poverty reduction strategies by Non-Governmental Organizations or Governments should
include shea business as one of their efficient tools. This attention to poverty reduction is reflected in this work by the search
for opportunities for the rural poor and local traders in Ghana to benefit more from shea business.