By Samuel SAM
The MasterCard Foundation has handed over an ultra-modern, multipurpose mechanised shea processing facility aimed at creating job opportunities and empowering livelihoods for women at Nwodua in the Kumbungu district of the Northern Region.
The facility, a partnership with Global Shea Alliance (GSA), aims to help improve the production of shea butter to meet market standards. It is expected to generate over 30,000 jobs, particularly for youth and women groups.
Under the Shea Business Empowerment Project by GSA – in partnership with Advans, Softribe, Women for Change and Nuts for Growth – the Borinijerisuli Cooperative Processing Centre has been equipped with a thresher, two drying platforms, grinding mills, three cooking pots and stoves, roasters and three tricycles to facilitate production. Eleven communities are set to benefit from the centre.
Additionally, an early childhood development daycare centre has been added to provide safe, early education for young children and optimise working hours for women shea collectors and processors, ensuring access to quality education.
Speaking at the inauguration, Mad. Mine Pabari, Country Programme Impact at MasterCard Foundation, said the facility was designed specifically for the community’s shea pickers and processors to enhance their production capabilities.
“This facility is a testament of our partnership’s commitment to prioritise and empower rural young women to unlock work opportunities in the shea value chain” she said.
“At the Foundation, we recognise the value of our shea pickers and processors, who work tirelessly at the value chain’s starting point with this valuable resource that benefits our nation. Hence our support,” she explained.
According to her, their labour is crucial to the economy and deserves recognition and support.
“This childcare facility is more than just a physical structure; it represents a commitment to investing in the future of these children – who will one day inherit the responsibility of creating a world where everyone can learn and prosper,” she noted.
She commended GSA and partners for contributing to the remarkable achievement, saying: “Your commitment to this cause is truly inspiring and I am confident tnis facility will serve as a beacon of hope for many generations”.
Executive Director-GSA, Aaron Adu, said his outfit is committed to ensuring the welfare of women shea pickers and processors.
The facility, he explained, will ease the stress processors face in shea butter production by transitioning to a technologically advanced process that meets market standards.
According to Mr. Adu, off-takers have been secured for the shea production to ensure all products produced are purchased at market price.
He therefore encouraged beneficiaries and the community to take good care of the facility to ensure it achieves its purpose.
Secretary of the women’s cooperative, Zakaria Fatima, expressed gratitude to the MasterCard Foundation, GSA and partners for their support. She said the facility will help produce quality shea butter to meet demand and encourage more youth to venture into the sector, contributing to the industry’s development.
