The shea nut industry has received a boost in northern Ghana with a new project to raise 2 million seedlings.

Ghana Web reports that under the project, 12 shea butter processing units will be established and around 1,000 women will receive training in modern shea technology and business development.

A supervisory committee and a technical committee have been established to ensure the project is successfully implemented. The committees include chiefs of the regions and representatives from universities, government agencies, the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) and local agroforestry organization, Savannah Plantations.

The shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) is indigenous to Africa and grows in parkland agroforestry systems across the Sahel. For many in this arid region, particularly women, the shea tree is their main source of livelihood. The tree produces a fruit from which shea butter is extracted. Shea butter is commonly used in cosmetics and lotions as well as being used as a substitute for cocoa butter in the manufacture of chocolate.

Read the full story: Sheanut project launched in Tamale