Shea Butter (Vitellaria paradoxa G.) Production in Nigeria: Constraints and Prospects a Multifaceted Industry in the 21st Century

Shea butter (SBR) is a seed fat obtained from the Shea tree which is native to the savannah regions of Africa. Nigeria is one of the top producers of SBR. In Nigeria, the Shea tree grows in states such as Kwara, Oyo, Niger, Ogun, Kogi, and Benue states among others. The application of SBR ranges from cosmetics, medicine, and food among others. SBR has been reported to be rich in antioxidants and is used for skin treatment against skin diseases such as psoriasis, rash, eczema, acne, dandruff, and dry skin. It is also used traditionally for treating hay fever, jaundice, osteoarthritis and rhinosinusitis, wound healing, stomach aches, and muscle soreness. SBR serves as a seed fat for cooking and for various cosmetics products. In recent years, nutritional benefits and the application of SBR as an alternative source of energy have increased the global demand for SBR. While this natural product offers several societal, economic, and health advantages to the country and global markets as a whole, limited processing facilities, transportation, open market and inconsistency in its quality remain major challenges facing its production in Nigeria. This results in Nigeria’s current exports of over 350,000 MT out of a projected 1 million MT of SBR annually. In this systemic review, the challenges facing the production, preservation, transportation, and exportation of this with were discussed. This could be a profound solution as Nigeria targets increased production exportation and cements its global position as the world's leading player in this thriving industry.