Socio-Economic Contribution of Shea Tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) in Support of Rural Livelihood in Ganye, Sourtheastern Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Vitellaria paradoxa is an important economic tree that plays a vital role in support of rural livelihood in an area where its uses are well understood. This study was conducted to examine the socio- economic contribution of Vitellaria paradoxa in support of rural livelihood in Ganye, Adamawa State, Nigeria. One hundred and fifty (150) respondents were randomly selected for the study. Majority (63%) of the respondents engaged in Shea butter enterprise were women. The result indicted that about 76% of the respondents had no formal education, 53% pointed out that their primary occupation is Shea butter processing even though they are also involved in other form of activities in order to diversify their economy. The result shows that 67% of the respondents often picked Shea fruits under trees which they use as input, 27% maintained that they both picked and also buy more Shea nuts from pickers. The quantity of Shea nuts picked per day varied form ¼ to 1 bag per day (77%), 2-4 bags (17%) and 5-8 bags (3%) per day. Also majority (73%) of the respondents use manual method for Shea butter processing, (23%) mentioned that they use mechanized method of processing. All the respondents in the study area maintained that Shea trees play vital role in support of rural livelihood. 60% of the respondent’s mentioned that the major challenges encountered are lack of processing equipment, technical skills, low inputs and capital. About 90% of the respondents mentioned that they do not use to get any assistant from government or non-governmental organization. When the respondents were asked on how these challenges could be addressed? About 90% of them maintain that government should provide the input, equipment and also provide modern training to enhance their local skill. Keywords: Livelihood, Poverty, Shea nuts, Women, Economy, Rural I.