Having begun in a few villages in the mid-1990s, Songtaab-Yalgré now brings together more than 3,000 women across ten provinces of Burkina Faso in the harvesting and processing of shea nuts from the tree species Butyrospermum parkii. With the initial aim of improving women's literacy and advocating for improved working conditions, the initiative identified the production of shea nut butter as a viable and low-impact economic activity that would diversify women's livelihood opportunities and have an empowering effect by transforming the way women are perceived in rural society. The association exports its shea butter internationally, producing more than 50 tons in 2006.

Profits are equally distributed amongst members, with a percentage set aside to fund community development projects such as well-digging, provision of health services, and HIV/AIDS education for women and youth.

 

Key Facts 

Equator Prize Winner: 2006

Founded: 1990

Location: 10 Provinces in Burkina Faso

Beneficiaries: over 3,000 women

Biodiversity: shea nut trees

 

Case Study

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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