Contribution of Shea-Based Livelihoods to Income of Rural Women in North-Western Ghana

The shea industry is a self-contained industry, and it argued that with critical investment in processing machinery skill training of the primary actors, can sustainably enhance livelihoods poor rural households. Following an semi-mechanised butter projects two communities North-Western Ghana, this study examined contribution to women’s income communities. Data were collected from 156 producers, using questionnaires, key informant interviews focus group discussions executives producer associations. found although farming main occupation majority women, leading sector because contributes relatively higher income. Intriguingly, shea-based livelihood than minimum annual wage Ghana. This implies has potential contributing household income, just as formal sector. In order role towards livelihoods, continuous support actors (women), ability link them external market remain critical.