Press Release

Researchers to Share Insights, Ideas at “Better Science for Shea” Conference in Burkina Faso

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, October 24, 2011     Scientists who study shea across Africa are gathering in Burkina Faso to review the findings of their latest research at the final INNOVKAR conference, Oct. 24-26, 2011.

Shea trees are highly valued for the nuts, butter and fruit they produce in villages where they grow from Senegal to Uganda – a three million square kilometer area in the arid Sahel zone.

At the conference – the final event for the collaboration involving 9 countries – researchers will present studies of approaches to managing shea trees in areas where there is increasing competition for use of available land, the soil conditions necessary to the tree’s ability to thrive and the free fatty acid content of shea butter produced in some communities.

“Understanding how shea trees propagate, the management of shea parklands and the qualities in shea nuts and butter is critical to the sustainability of shea across Africa,” said Dr. Peter Lovett, a biochemist and shea sector advisor at the USAID West Africa Trade Hub.

The INNOVKAR project studies management and use of the shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) resources in Africa. Focus is on threats to the natural resource, market constraints, improved quality in production, and new products. The project is a joint effort between partners from nine countries, coordinated by CIRAD and supported by the EU.

At this final INNOVKAR conference all new findings and their practical implications will be presented and discussed. Beside the official program there will be possibilities for informal discussions with scientists and presentation of posters

The Global Shea Alliance is co-sponsoring the conference. Launched in 2011, the Alliance includes more than 120 members across Africa seeking to promote shea internationally, facilitate information exchange among stakeholders, establish quality standards for shea nuts and advocate on behalf of the industry to government. www.globalshea.com