Women in Nigeria are the backbone of the global shea butter industry, sustaining a multi-billion-dollar trade in cosmetics, food and medicine. But a sudden six-month ban on raw shea nut exports is hitting the women hardest. Prices have dropped, and nut-crackers say they are paid less than half of what they once earned. Nigeria produces nearly 40% of the world’s shea nuts. The government argues the ban will boost local processing by keeping supplies at home. For women in Niger State, however, liv

135K views · 2.2K reactions | How Shea butter is made African village style ♡ | We African Nations | Facebook

4.9K views · 107 reactions | Why East African Shea Butter Is So Expensive When you hear "shea butter," you probably think of the West African kind. But in East Africa, a different variety of shea nut grows, called nilotica. It's easier to spread and absorbs quickly into the skin, which makes it more desirable in cosmetics. In Uganda, nilotica producers are trying to meet growing demand for this butter. | Business Insider Africa | Facebook