Project presentation

Innovative Tools and Techniques for Sustainable Use of the Shea Tree in Sudano-Sahelian zone

The shea tree ( Vitellaria paradoxa) is an important species for the production of edible vegetable fat and personal care products processed from the dried kernel of its fruits. It shows a high potential for income generation and food security in the Sudano-Sahelian zone. To improve the sustainable production in terms of both quantity and quality andin order to promote trade with shea products, we propose an integrated and innovative research approach that couples biophysical, biological, chemical and socio-economic methods.

We will study the impact of climate change in shea tree by modelling its distribution under climate change scenarios and assess the resilience of the populations face to drought using ecophysiological variables. We will analyse the impact of global change on natural regeneration and genetic diversity and assess the fruit production in parkland and predict the effect on long term by elaborating forest dynamic models. Both activities will allow the elaboration of a strategy for management of resource for sustainable use on mid and long term. The valorisation of origins and farmer varieties will be studied by characterising the genetic resources using chemical variables for edible fat and testing their new anti-oxidant properties, for the development of personal care markets. The traceability of the fruit and shea butter at the different stage of the processing, from fruit to butter, will be studied using innovative technique. New methodology based on near infrared spectrometry will be tested to improve low cost and environment friendly chemical analyses. Research on post harvest quality control will be undertaken to improve the butter for export markets. We will analyse the patterns and trends of shea commodity chains and the roles of market participants involved in the production, marketing and consumption of the products. The result will be synthesised, translated in operational recommendations and disseminated through a participative process.

Contact

 Jean-Marc Bouvet  
 Cirad
 Chef de l'UPR Diversité génétique et amélioration des espèces forestières
 Campus international de Baillarguet
 TA A-39 / C (Bât. C, Bur. 102) - 34398 Montpellier Cedex 5
 Tél : +33 4 67 59 37 28 - Secr. : +33 4 67 59 38 81 - Fax : +33 4 67 59 37 32 -
 jean-marc.bouvet@cirad.fr  

 Personal web site : http://agents.cirad.fr/index.php/jean-marc.bouvet@cirad.fr