Climate change is posing a severe threat to shea butter production across the Sahel region, jeopardizing the livelihoods of millions of women who rely on it as a primary income source. A recent report highlighted by Dutch broadcaster NOS details how erratic weather patterns are disrupting the vital industry, often called "women's gold" due to its cultural and economic significance for female collectors and processors.
Shea butter, extracted from the nuts of the Vitellaria paradoxa tree (commonly known as the shea tree), grows wild in the semi-arid savanna belts from Senegal to South Sudan. The trees thrive in the Sahel's challenging conditions, but increasing variability in rainfall—prolonged droughts interspersed with heavy downpours—is weakening tree health, reducing nut yields, and lowering the fat content essential for butter extraction. These changes directly impact output quality and quantity.
According to the Global Shea Alliance, more than 8 million shea trees are lost annually due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and firewood harvesting. This compounds climate pressures, accelerating ecosystem degradation in a region already vulnerable to desertification.
Obed Dadzie, marketing manager at The Savannah Fruits Company—which partners with over 48,000 women in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Mali—described the crisis: “Shea production and harvesting are already severely disrupted. No supplier in the sector can keep up with global demand due to the impacts of climate change.” He noted irregular wet seasons hinder tree growth and nut development, while persistent felling for fuel persists despite the trees' value.
The ecological role of shea trees extends beyond butter: their canopies provide shade protecting staple crops like millet from scorching heat, aiding food security in drought-prone areas.
Mustafa Gerima, an environmental activist focused on conservation in northern Uganda, highlighted long-term shifts: “Thirty years ago, the rains arrived in April or May. Now they often come much later,” leading to sharply reduced yields per tree.
The socioeconomic fallout disproportionately affects women, who traditionally handle collection and artisanal processing. Known as “women’s gold,” shea harvesting is culturally reserved for females, providing crucial income for family needs, education, and healthcare during lean seasons.
Rising global demand for natural cosmetics—driven by vegan and organic trends—has boosted exports, but supply shortages are emerging. European importers report difficulties sourcing sufficient high-quality nuts, with frontline producers bearing the brunt of losses.
Conservation efforts, including reforestation and sustainable practices, are underway, but experts warn urgent action is needed to preserve shea parklands amid escalating climate risks.
