By Aisha Ojone Abu | Project Leader
The Better Life Program for the African Rural Woman (BLPARW) is implementing the Shea Sustainability Initiative to strengthen the livelihoods of rural women shea processors across Niger State, Nigeria. Our goal is to equip 500 shea processors with modern, efficient processing technology that reduces labour burden, improves product quality and yield, and increases household and community income. This initiative is delivered in partnership with the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Quarter Highlights
This quarter marked a significant production milestone. Working with fabrication partners, BLPARW completed the fabrication of seven units of shea processing equipment, spanning seven types, for deployment to the shea processors' cooperative in Beji, Niger State.
Some Equipment Fabricated:
Nut Cracker: Mechanically separates the kernel from the shell, replacing manual labour.
Grinder: Mills kernels into paste, cutting processing time significantly.
Boiler: Steams and roasts paste for improved consistency and hygiene.
Oil Extractor: Mechanically presses paste to release crude shea oil at higher yields.
Oil Refiner: Purifies crude oil into premium-grade shea butter.
Cabinet Dryer: Improves shelf life and export readiness.
Community Impact
The Beji cooperative will be the first to operate this equipment. By mechanising the value chain, we are freeing up women’s time for other income-generating activities and caregiving, while positioning the cooperative to access premium markets.
Partnerships
This achievement was made possible through continued collaboration with the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), whose support underpins our sustainability and climate-resilience goals.
Challenges & Lessons Learned
Economic Constraints: Currency depreciation increased the cost of fabrication materials, requiring diligent budget management and vendor negotiation.
Coordination: Synchronizing fabrication across multiple equipment types required close supervision to ensure all seven units met specifications.
Engagement: Pre-installation assessment highlighted the need for a dedicated operator training plan, which is now in development.
Looking Ahead: Next Quarter
Hold an official handover and commissioning ceremony with stakeholders.
Begin tracking baseline production volumes and time savings.
Call to Action: Strengthen the Impact
Empower Through Education: Your donations directly fund the upcoming hands-on training workshops to ensure safe and effective machine operation.
Create Lasting Change: You are providing rural women with the tools to transition from manual, labour-intensive work to efficient, high-yield production.
Please donate today to help us bring this vision to life in Beji.
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