West Africa: Not A “Win-Win”: How Global Demands for Shea Butter Fail to Empower Female Producers
Monday, February 2, 2026 2:00 PM

The global demand for shea butter has surged beyond 600% over the past 20 years, as it has become an integral ingredient in beauty products and food production. With an estimated 16 million women employed to collect and process the shea fruits, the shea industry has been praised as a defined path to women’s economic empowerment. However, a study focused on shea production in Burkina Faso and Ghana revealed that privatization and competition have narrowed pay gaps for female collectors. 

Historically, shea was a semi-communal resource, which allowed collectors to gather what was necessary. As prices soared and communal lands became privatized, access to shea trees became limited to collectors whose income was supplemented by other activities. Despite the increase in shea income over the past ten years, the average annual income remains minimal. On average, dedicated collectors earn 174 dollars a year, with considerable gaps between collectors. Factors such as privatized access to shea trees and the forced sale of nuts early in the season to meet financial needs inhibit financial gains. Despite the “win-win” narrative promoted by NGOs and corporations, the modern shea industry has allowed for individuals with land rights and financial capital to profit, while marginalizing individuals who depend on this resource for a livelihood. 

Compiled From: Francois Questiaux and Marieve Pouliot, “Global demand for shea butter is growing: but it’s not all good news for the women who collect the nuts,” The Conversation, Jan. 25, 2026.