Cultivation Projects
Shea Butter from Burkina Faso
Shea butter from Burkina Faso: some facts
In the initial phase in 2001 WALA supported the Shea Butter Project by financing the advisor Hermann Schopferer who visits the country several times a year, ensures the required quality standards and prepares the annual organic certification. In 2002 nuts were collected for WALA for the first time and used to make shea butter. The women were paid by WALA in advance at above-average prices. The money allowed them to purchase the necessary equipment, materials for shipping etc. In autumn 2002 the first consignment of shea butter was shipped to WALA in Germany by land and sea. In 2003 the project received organic certification for the first time. The amount of shea butter produced was enough to meet WALA's requirements in full. Processing of the 2004 harvest will begin in August. At the same time the organic certification, which has to be renewed annually, will be carried out. WALA guarantees to purchase fixed amounts and provides the women with investment aid so as to secure the required quality in the long term. In 2004, for example, funding is being provided for the purchase of a grinder for processing the shea nuts.
