Shea butter, West Africa’s ‘gold’ is made by roasting and pounding the nuts to a paste, which is then repeatedly washed.
Here we show how it is used to make soap, but it is also used for cooking, lighting and waterproofing walls, as well as a moisturiser in cosmetics.
Traditionally, women do this work, which provides them with a source of income, enabling them to buy food during emergencies, and school books for their children. It also gives them much-needed confidence and independence.
Because the trees are valuable, they are much more likely to be protected, thereby improving the environment at the same time