Support to Agricultural Sector Supply Chains

Results achieved as of March 2014 include: 1) Shea nut producers supported by the project have increased their annual production from 262 tons in 2009 to 3 532 tons in 2013 and the value of this production from $60 000 in 2009 to more than $952 000 in 2013; 2) 34 screw presses were introduced as an alternative shea oil extraction method. These presses have the potential to significantly reduce the quantity of wood and water required to extract shea oil; 3) more than 400 shea nut producers were trained in the use of these new screw presses; 4) 26 shallots onion and garlic producers’ groups were trained on various topics including on the management and adequate use of the 26 warehouses built by the project which contribute to improving the conservation of food produced to reducing losses between 20% and 60% in 2013–2014 and to increasing revenues for members that manage these warehouses; 5) a seed production cooperative was created and succeeded in commercializing almost all of its production (957 kilos out of 1 150 kilos produced) reaching sales of close to $75 000; and 6) more than 2 700 shea nut shallots onion and garlic producers have increased their technical and management knowledge through training and improved equipment. These results contribute to improving the structure of the targeted sectors to enhancing the knowledge and skills of agricultural producers and to increasing their processing and marketing performance.