By Fatima Muraina

The Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) has confirmed that Ondo State is suitable for shea butter production.

Mr Mohammed Habib from NIFOR’s Bida sub-station in Niger State made this known while presenting a paper at a one-day training session for farmers in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

He stated that the state’s climate is conducive to the commercial cultivation of shea trees, enabling the region to tap into the economic potential of the product, which has gained significant attention due to its versatility and growing market demand.

He noted that shea trees could be planted at intervals of between 9 x 9 to 10 x 10 metres. This spacing, he said, supports the proper growth of the trees, whose benefits would positively impact the farmers’ livelihoods.

Declaring the one-day training session open, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Mrs Foluke Tunde-Daramola, said that the programme focuses on promoting Good Agronomic Practices (GAP) in shea tree cultivation, emphasising its potential as a lucrative venture for farmers.

She added that shea butter production could significantly contribute to the state’s GDP and provide an alternative source of income for farmers, enhancing both their financial stability and general wellbeing.

Mrs Tunde-Daramola noted that the global shea butter market is projected to grow and encouraged farmers to embrace shea tree cultivation to boost national GDP and increase Ondo State’s revenue base through large-scale production.

The training programme is a strategic initiative aimed at unlocking the economic potential of shea butter production in Ondo State, in collaboration with NIFOR to ensure the success of the venture.

“By empowering farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills, the state aims to become a major player in the shea butter market,” she stated.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Project Manager of the Tree Crops Unit (TCU), Dr (Mrs) Jumoke Bakare, said that Ondo State has a favourable ecological profile, offering a comparative advantage in the production of a variety of crops, both arable and cash, through the application of best practices and GAP.

The training, organised by the unit in partnership with NIFOR, aims to revive interest in shea butter production, pushing the boundaries of the agricultural sector to increase income, improve livelihoods, and enhance the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Dr Bakare highlighted the economic value of Vitellaria paradoxa, commonly known as shea butter, which thrives in the region.

“Shea butter oil is versatile and is used in soap making, candle production, cosmetics, and as an ingredient in chocolate cream filling,” she said.

Additionally, it helps reduce fatigue and pain and can be used as a conditioner for hair loss. The plant itself has medicinal properties and is used to treat various human and animal ailments.

She further noted that the global shea butter market is projected to grow from $2.75 billion in 2024 to $5.58 billion by 2032. In 2023, international market prices ranged between $3.78 and $8.30 per kilogram (approximately ₦5,670 to ₦12,450 at an exchange rate of ₦1,500 per dollar).

The Project Manager expressed appreciation to the organisers and encouraged farmers to share the knowledge gained with others and make the most of the opportunity provided by the training.