The Benefits of Shea Development in Nigeria

In Nigeria, shea nuts grow on wild shea trees which are found over a wide area of the savanna zone which spreads over the Central and Northern parts of the country. Shea trees are the second largest source of vegetable oil/fat in Nigeria. Palm trees which grow in the Southern part of Nigeria are the largest source of vegetable oil/fat. All the shea nuts harvested in Nigeria come from wild species. The biggest production area is in Minna in Niger State which is located next to the Capital Abuja.

  Shea development in Nigeria may not be overemphasized. Its production may seem irregular because of the Shea tree not being domesticated, yet its benefit to the society it thrives in speak volumes in terms of the revenue it returns. the following are but a few benefits of the tree crop.

• High potential to create employment opportunities and generate income for investors, the Government and the producing communities.
• Women empowerment and poverty reduction strategies towards a better rural livelihood.
• Prepare a solid raw material base for the fast growing local and international shea based food, personal care and cosmetics industries.
• Equip the local shea butter producers with the right skills and tools to be able to compete favorably in the modern hyper- competitive global market.

Experience the power of Shea butter

Ori as the Yoruba people call it; Abubaekeas to the Igbo and Mankada to the Hausa; whatever you call Shea butter in your language doesn’t matter, because one cannot underestimate its uniqueness and importance. Shea butter is a gentle and effective moisturizer. It contains oleic acid, a saturated fatty acid, it is highly priced because it is very nourishing, as well as being gentle and easily absorbed

Shea butter is gotten from the ivory-coloured fat extracted from the nut of the Karite tree. It contains vitamin A,E and F. It offers you protection. Shea butter is mainly used in the cosmetics industry for skin and hair related products like lip gloss, skin moisturizer creams and emulsions, and hair conditioners for dry and brittle hair, unlike most expensive lotion, Shea butter is cheap and natural.

Benefits you derive from using Shea butter

· Smooth skin: Shea butter helps your skin to glow despite your skins condition; it aids the skin’s natural collagen production and prevent drying. When using Shea butter, the skin starts to soften and strengthen and wrinkle reduces dramatically.

· Moisturising: Shea butter makes it incredibly nourishing and moisturises your skin. It is used for as a remedy for dry skin and it helps protect the skin’s natural oils.

· Strengthens your hair: natural Shea butter helps your hair scalp to be oily therefore avoiding hair breakage and dandruffs. It gives your hair a healthy and beautifully look. Shea butter is one oily treatment that has been used in making shampoo and other oily treatment. It also controls the growth of the hair and restores the hair follicles and the scalp, giving birth to healthy and fast growing hair. Shea butter improves the performance of scalp and hair.

· Healing: Shea butter has the ability of healing the skin. Shea butter is helpful against different skin conditions like rashes, scars, tanning, burns, insect bites, arthritis, muscle fatigue and stings.

· Used as a baby care product: Shea butter is a natural moisturiser. Due to this, it can be used on soft and gentle skin and as a baby care product. It can be used for diaper rash and healing eczema on the skin of babies.

· As a lip care product: Shea butter contains the nutrients and moisturiser, which are helpful for summer and winter seasons. It helps us keep our lips against cold and dryness .