Africa''s Largest Shea Resource

ShorttitleThe status of the shea tree as an invaluable African species has long been recognized and is predicated mainly on its role in human nutrition and health, cosmetics, ecological balance and poverty reduction particularly at the rural level. This in recent times is evidenced in an increased demand for shea nuts and calls for the full domestication of the species. Although Nigeria is the largest producer of shea nuts in Africa, accounting for at least 50% of total annual production, little is known about shea traits of economic and agronomic significance. This work has therefore presented in a scientific and yet, easily comprehensible manner, the physical, chemical and agronomic attributes of the fruits and nuts of shea provenances across Nigeria''s vast shea belt as well as the interrelationships among these properties. It is expected to be of great interest to both the scientific and business community especially key players in the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. Agronomists and a vast array of scientists interested in shea development as well as individuals and groups concerned with improvement of rural livelihoods will also find the book a useful resource.