The Evolution of Shea Butter's "Paradox of paradoxa" and the Potential Opportunity for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to Improve Quality, Market Access and Women's Livelihoods across Rural Africa

摘要: Abstract: Shea trees grow across 4 million km 2 of sub-Saharan Africa. parklands provide a sustainable source edible fat (shea butter) that, in terms volume, is currently second only to cocoa butter as vegetal stearic acid the multi-billion dollar chocolate and cosmetic sectors. However, international trade, shea has been opaque consumers products (where majority exports end their global journey) actually well-known western markets ingredient. The millions women collectors have disconnected from supply chains, sheanuts are factory processed, supplied by traders who, many cases, do not understand quality issues nor share knowledge with village-based collectors—this “Paradox paradoxa ”. This review provides background this issue contextualizing industry describing how weak post-harvest control impacts chain. paper then explains was incorporated into 3D animation available for free transmission rural African audiences viewing on portable devices like video capable mobile phones. tool offers