12 Oct 2023 --- The Nigerian government, Shea Women’s Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and CBI (Center for the Promotion of Imports, the Netherlands) have launched a project to help female shea nut collectors in Nigeria. The Train the Trainer project aims to foster greater gender equality and create safer, more sustainable and economically rewarding work. The project works toward helping women become players in the global export market of shea nuts. Nigeria is the world’s biggest producer of shea nuts, located in the “shea belt” south of the Sahara Desert. Due to its high volume, the sector employs many women. However, the CBI Ministry of Foreign Affairs says their position in the industry is vulnerable. The training project in the Nigerian shea industry is said to be “opening up a better future” for over 1,000 women.
