SNV supporting shea sector in Northern Ghana

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SNV SUPPORTING SHEA SECTOR DEVELOPMENT IN NORTHERN GHANA OVERVIEW OF RESULTS ACHIEVED 2012-2013

2,121 advisory days in partnership with LCBs

10 Unions

Shea parkland conservation-350 seedlings transplanted

521 VSLAs established 421Coop Societies

9,704 women with increased incomes

GH1,415,846 mobilized in savings through VSLAs(US $525,849)

36 storage facilities built

452 men with increased incomes

GH 933,232 mobilized from shea nut and butter sales (US $346,605)

213 beehives constructed

473mt of shea butter sold1,108mt of shea nuts sold

April 4th, 2014

Acknowledgements

This report is an overview of the results of SNV advisory practice in Northern Ghanas Shea sector. The document is based on the analysis of selected documents that prepared during 2012 and 2013. The editor would like to express sincere thanks to the following people and organizations for providing and preparing the documents for review.

Local Capacity Builders (LCBs)1. CBFP - Joseph Wuni, Program Coordinator2. CARD - Alhassan Hudi, Program Coordinator 3. A2N - Adissah Lansah Yakubu, Program Coordinator4. ROWFAD - Yanaa Yahaya, Program Coordinator5. PRUDA - Nuotoo Amatus, Project Coordinator6. SAVE GHANA - Kingsley Kanton, Project Coordinator7. ORGIIS - Julius Awaregya, Project Coordinator 8. IASUDO - Augustine Anbotima, Project Coordinator 9. JAKSALLY - Jeremaiah Seidu, Project Coordinator 10. CODAC - BUKARI ISSAHAKU, Programme Manager11. SIRDA - Alima Sagito, Project Coordinator 12. NECIDA - Abdulai Sulemana, Project Coordinator 13. YARO 14. RIDE-Rose Amoyaw, Project Coordinator 15. EMAC - Theophile Bama, Project Coordinator 16. TUDRIDEP - James Duma, Project Coordinator 17. TUWODEP 18. CIKOD - Daniel Banuoko, Project Coordinator Consultants19. Seidu Al-Hassan (Dr)SNV Advisors 20. Jalil Zakaria, Christopher Bakaweri for the Introduction, Eric Banye, Isaahaku Zakaria and Priscilla Ahele (General Support Officer).

Many thanks to Quirin Laumans, Sector Leader Agriculture (SNV Ghana) for his practical advice and valuable insights and making this document possible.

And all others who helped.

Kofi O Boafo SNV Ghana, Jr Business Development Advisor, AgricultureEditor

Contents Page

List of Acronyms and Abbreviations............................................................ 4Introduction............................................................................................... 5SNV support in the shea sector................................................................... 6-7Documents Reviewed................................................................................. 8Factsheet of Documents Reviewed............................................................. 9-30Other Documents........................................................................................ 31Glossary of Terms....................................................................................... 32

List of Acronyms and Abbreviations

AAK International Shea nut trader, exporter and processorA2N - Africa 2000 NetworkCARD Community Aid for Rural DevelopmentCBFP - Chira Biisi Fare Project CODAC - Community Development and Advocacy CentreCoop - Cooperative EMAC - Education for Market Access and CertificationIIAS Impact Investment Advisory Services ICEIR - Institute for Continuing Education and Interdisciplinary ResearchIASUDO - Integrated Action for Sustainable Development Organisation LCB Local Capacity Builder Mt Metric Tonnes NGO Non Governmental OrganizationNECIDA - North Eastern Corridor Integrated Development Agency ORGIIS - Organization for Indigenous Initiatives and Sustainability PRUDA - Partnerships for Rural Development ActionRE Renewable Energy RIDE - Rural Interventions for Development and EmploymentROWFAD - Rural Organisation of Women Farmers and Agro-Processing DevelopmentSAVE GHANA - Sustainable Aid through Voluntary Establishment SEKAF Senyo Kpelly and Kafui Bulla SEND GHANA - Social Enterprise Development FoundationSIRDA - Savannah Integrated Rural Development Aid SNV Netherlands Development OrganizationTons - TonnesTUDRIDEP - Tumu Deanery Rural Integrated Development Programme-TUDRIDEP TUWODEP - Tuna Women Development Programme UDS University of Development Studies VCD - Value Chain Development VSLA - Village Savings and Loans AssociationsWIDO - Women Integrated Development Organisation YARO - Youth Advocacy on Rights and Opportunities

Introduction

SNV is one of the few significant shea sector support organisations in 2007 who championed the development and commercialisation of the shea sector. SNV was the only one who took a bold long term approach to programming in the shea sector: ultimately developing and implementing the most sustained, geographically extensive, shea programme with the widest beneficiary outreach in Ghana over the past 7 years starting from 2007. SNV and other VCD promoters like KIT saw this as a bold initiative because VCD is a process of experimental and experiential learning, sometimes of trial and error, within a context of fragmented markets where VC actors still think along traditional lines. As a pioneer in this field, SNV Ghana was aware it had to pave the road while walking it. The terrain was challenging and uncertain, a highly atomised market with few structures, little trust, little knowledge requiring ground breaking innovations and the application of multipronged, flexible learning approaches. We think that this bold pioneering role has encouraged more involvement of more actors/stakeholders in the sector in a more structured way, and produced tremendous impacts through joint multi-stakeholder actions. In our modest estimation, this collective effort is largely accountable for the over 600% industry growth over the period in terms of investments and trade. Experiences have been gained. Knowledge has been generated. Lessons have been learnt. Thanks to our localisation policy, SNVs local partners and clients have been involved in the knowledge generation and learning experiences.

Given the dynamism in the sector and steepness of the learning curve, SNV finds it appropriate to pause to capture the sector changes/evolutions, and share the experiences and lessons as SNV Ghana continues to innovate and experiment with new approaches in Inclusive Business, value chain financing, climate smart agriculture, and to deepen our co-operative business development and coaching interventions. SNV and its partners consider their knowledge and learning experiences useful for improving the positioning and interventions of existing and new actors in the shea sector, especially for improving their understanding of how the local context should inform/guide adaptation and application of VCD principles and methodology.

SNV therefore desires to capitalise (document and share) this knowledge. Capitalisation of knowledge and experiences in shea is essential for a number of reasons including: Internal organisation of shea knowledge for quick reference Capturing business development opportunities. External sharing and SNV profiling Serve as a resource to agencies in shea or interested in entering shea.

The following process is envisaged:1. Cataloguing of all documents studies, movie, reports, tools, LCB reports, training guides etc1. Prepare/summarise cases/topics/knowledge products including:1. Value chain analysis of nut and butter, description of the shea nut/butter industry (baselines + current dynamics)1. Description of various value chain development actions:1. The SNV VCD approach: 1. Way forward1. Package knowledge products such as fliers/brochures/pamphlets.1. Prepare a concise document about shea value chain development and its impact on small holders in Ghana1. Share knowledge: Organise a knowledge sharing event series of seminars, workshops etc. This is the first attempt to catalogue the key documents produced and major results achieved by SNV working with major local implementing partner organisations. We trust that our readers will find value in it and be inspired by it. We pride in being a learning organisation, and will stay open and committed to a feeding your comments into our continuous improvement plan.SNV support in the shea sector

SNV started its support to the shea sector in 2006. As at December 2013 SNV has strengthened a network of over 2,000 groups (60,000 women) in 27 districts in the Savannah Regions in northern Ghana. Over 50% of these have been registered with the Department of Co-operatives as co-operative societies, and further into co-operative unions. All these women are involved in the picking, processing and sale of shea nuts and shea butter.

The Shea Value Chain

A Value Chain includes all those groups involved at different levels of producing a single product. When considering Shea, the actors in a value chain are as follows:

Local market Export consolidators

Agents buying for exportLocal butter processorsBuyers for in-country processingLocal nut traders/bulkers

Nuts processed and storedHome processing for consumption

Nuts collected from the field

SNVs interventions in the shea value chain have been numerous. SNV has sought to increase returns to those at the end of the value chain, the pickers, by providing training on nut processing, organising pickers and linking pickers with exporters. SNVs support in the shea value chain is described below.

Level In ChainSNVs Intervention

ProducerConservation of Shea parklands

Pickers/Primary ProcessorsTraining- quality nuts processingStorage and handlingGroup strengtheningFormation of cooperative societiesVSLA establishmentMarket linkages

Butter makers/Secondary Processors Training and processingProvision of equipmentsGroup strengthening

Wholesalers and ExportersMarket Linkages

SNVs work in Shea highlights two important mechanisms that promote participation of poor small holders (women) in shea value chains: Ensuring well organised and registered groups which help overcome issues of small scale and quality control. Value chain development by linking producer groups to buyers. These relationships are strengthened by buyers investments in productive and social infrastructure, pre-finance arrangements, end of season premiums, and simple transparent contracts.

SNV advisors work in partnership with Local Capacity Builders (LCBs). These organizations are of crucial importance to achieve results, not only because of their knowledge in the shea sector, but also because of their familiarity with local languages and networks. They also guarantee the sustainability of the results.

Documents Reviewed

1. Shea Program Report. Prepared by A2N (2013)2. Final and Reflection Report. Prepared by CARD (2012)3. Capacity Building Progress Report on Shea Nut/Butter. Prepared by CBFP (2012)4. Shea Value Chain Strengthening. Project Prepared by CODAC (2013)5. End of Activity Report. Prepared by EMAC (2013)6. Report on Shea Value Chain Development and Establishment of Cooperatives and VSLAs. Prepared by IASUDO (2013)7. Inclusive Business Shea Butter Project. Prepared by Jalil Zakaria, SNV (2013,or 2014)8. Development of VLSAs into Cooperatives Societies and linking them to Market. Prepared by JAKSALLY (2013)9. Implementation of Women Crops Window Commodity Business Plan (Shea). Prepared by NECIDA (2013)10. End of Contract Report. Prepared by ORGIIS (2013)11. End of Contract Report. Prepared by PRUDA (2013)12. End of Contract Report. Prepared by RIDE (2013)13. End of Contract Report. Prepared by ROWFAD (2012)14. End of Contract Report. Prepared by SAVE Ghana (2012)15. Assignment Completion Report. Prepared by SIRDA (2013)16. Baseline Study and Profiling Report-Shea Butter Processing Enterprises in Shea Producing Areas of Ghana. Prepared by Seidu,AL-hassan,(Dr).ICEIR,UDS (2013)17. Final and Reflection Report. Prepared by TUDRIDEP (2013)18. IB-Shea Butter End of Contract Report. Prepared by TUWODEP (2013)19. Final Report on Value Chain Development. Prepared by WIDO (2013)20. Shea Value Chain Development focussed on the Establishment of Cooperatives and VSLAs. Prepared by YARO (2013)

Fact Sheets of Documents Reviewed

Document 1

Shea Program Report Africa 2000 Network (A2N)July 2012 March 2013

Location: Tamale, Northern Region

Input110 advisory days

Output Capacity strengthening and training of local Shea Nut Pickers and Shea Butter Processors.

OutcomesProductivity 60 tons of nuts sold by co-op societies 20 tons of Shea butter sold by co-op societies 95% of butter sold met buyer expectations

Revenue Generated and Financial Services Value of financial resources raised for VC financing activities (including credits, VSLA, grants etc) = GH64,000

Organization and Governance 45 VSLAs formed 20 cooperative societies formed

Infrastructural Development 3 storage and warehouse identified 3 processing facilities used by co-op societies

Natural Resource Management Forest and fire management plans established to protect and develop the Shea industry.

Impact/OutreachImproved incomes and livelihood for 1,249 women and 11 men in Wa municipal area.

Document 2

Final and Reflection ReportCommunity Aid for Rural Development (CARD)4th quarter, 2012

Location: Lambussie-Karni and Jirapa District, Upper West Region

OutputCapacity strengthening for 30 Shea pickers/butter groups into registered cooperative societies and unions in Lambussie-Karni and Jirapa District.

OutcomesProduction 70 tons of nuts stockpiled by societies 95% of total volume of nuts produced meet buyer expectations 170 bags of nuts mobilized and supplied to AAK

Revenue Generated and Financial Services GH130,000 mobilized through VSLA

Organization and Governance 30 groups registered as cooperative societies 2 unions registered 2 existing unions strengthened 1 community Shea stakeholder forum held 450 women trained in Shea quality improvement processing

Infrastructural Development 9 storage structures identified Refurbished 4 warehouses for nuts stockpiling 20 beehives incorporated to Shea parklands

Impact/OutreachIncreased food security, Shea incomes and employment for 1,600 producers in four districts in the upper west region.

Document 3

Capacity Building Progress Report on Shea Nut/Butter Chira Biisi Fare Project (CBFP) June, 2012 to December 2012

Location: West Mamprusi district, Tamale, Northern Region

Input219 advisory days

OutputCapacity strengthening of 23 Women groups in West Mamprusi district.

OutcomesProduction 6 tons of Shea butter sold in Open Market

Revenue Generated and Financial Services Women have operational savings account with Bangmarigu Community Bank Ltd Revenue from Shea nuts sales =GH11,140

Organization and Governance 23 women groups formed to undertake quality Shea, VSLA and Beekeeping activities in the stated number of communities. 20 women groups prepared and readied for co-op registration

Natural Resource Management 1 fire volunteer group formed to prevent bushfires and conserve Shea trees

Impact/OutreachImproved livelihoods and incomes for 210 women in West Mamprusi district.

Document 4

Shea Value Chain Strengthening Project Community, Development and Advocacy Centre (CODAC) June 2012 to February 2013

Location: Navrongo East, Upper East Region

Input2 full time staff

OutputCapacity strengthening of Shea Women groups in Navrongo East.

OutcomesProduction 168 bags of nuts stockpiled and 3 Shea product developed for the local market

Revenue Generated and Financial Services 17 groups are now operating bank accounts with Naara Rural Bank and BUCOBANK 16 groups given financial growth strategy training GH10,982 mobilized by 19 VSLA groups

Organization and Governance 19 VSLAs formed 18 certifies cooperative societies 19 groups trained on quality nuts and butter production 19 group constitutions validated

Natural Resource Management 5 community fire and forest management plan

Impact/OutreachImproved Livelihoods and food security for Association of House Wifes and Youth in Agriculture (AHWYA) in the Navrongo East and Friends of Widows Foundation (FOWF) in Builsa.

Document 5

End of Activity Report Education for Market Access and Certification (EMAC)July 2012 to March 2013

Location: West Gonja, Yendi, Saboba and Chereponi areas, Northern Region

Input 195 Advisory Days

Output Capacity strengthening of 2,249(58 men, 2,191 women) shea nut collectors and butter processors.

OutcomesProduction 40 tons of shea butter sold

Revenue Generated and Financial Services GH90,000 raised (Value of financial resources raised for VC activities including credits,VSLA,grants,etc)

Organization and Governance 40 VSLA formed (1,200 members) 40 cooperatives (47 men,1213 women) in 40 communities certified from dept. of cooperatives 2 interim unions formed in the Saboba and Yendi districts 1 interim association formed with Yendi and Saboba 30 cooperatives supported Necida 30 VSLA supported Necida 15 processors trained for quality and organic/fair trade Shea butter production 42 bee keeping 84 collectors trained in 3 communities for quality and organic /fair trade Shea butter production

Impact /OutreachImproved capacity of producer organizations with over 2,000 women members in effective management, technical and financial services, and business development.

Document 6

Report on Shea Value Chain Development and Establishment of Cooperatives and VSLAs Integrated Action for Sustainable Development Organisation (IASUDO)March 2013

Location: Nadowli, Jirapa, WA East and Lawra Districts, Upper West Region

InputLocal Partner Integrated Action for Sustainable Development Organisation (IASUDO), March 2013

OutputCapacity strengthening for 1,600 producers in 4 districts in the Upper West Region.

OutcomesProduction 160 tons of nuts 90 bags of nut stockpiled and supplied to AAK

Revenue Generated and Financial Services GH115,000 in savings mobilized through VSLAs Currently, cash at bank for the Nadowli, Jirapa and Lawra Unions is GH37,463, GH1,635, GH1,280.The capital reserve is also GH48,166,GH1,467,GH1,526 respectively

Organization and Governance 47 certified cooperative societies formed 81 VSLAs formed 15 societies selected and trained on quality nut processing 35 cooperatives have been affiliated to 3 Unions

Infrastructural Development 7 warehouses identified,5 owned by cooperatives,2 rented 41 beehives constructed

Impact/Outreach1,033 women and 139 men legally registered with the Department of Cooperatives and accorded certificates as corporate business entities.Ssustainable food security and increased incomes for over 1,600 producers in 4 Districts in the upper west region.

Document 7

Inclusive Business Shea Butter Project Jalil Zakaria, SNV GhanaFebruary 2014

Location: Tamale, Northern Region

Output

Promoting sustainable production and marketing of Shea butter and Shea butter based products, promoting adoption of RE solutions, capacity strengthening of unions and enhancing business development services to Shea butter producers.

OutcomesProduction 378 mt of Shea butter produced and sold 5 Shea based products developed. 100% of Shea butter meet buyer expectation

Governance and Organization 591 producers engage in the production of Shea butter as an employment The capacity of 1 association built to create enabling environment for business 9 Shea butter producer organizations engaged 591 women benefit 6 Shea butter co-ops have joined unions

Infrastructural Development 1 improve cook stove mounted 2 Shea butter characterisation processors conducted 2 energy efficient technologies identified and used 91 producer adopting efficient energy technology for producing butter

Revenue Generated and Financial Services GH767,719 worth of Shea butter produced and sold

Impact/OutreachTotal of 618 beneficiaries all women were trained in Shea butter quality improvement.

Document 8

Development of VLSAs into Cooperatives Societies and linking them to Market JAKSALLY September 2012 to January 2013

Location: Bole, West Gonja, Northern Region

Input 5 months of advisory services

OutputCapacity strengthening of 54 women groups with 1,620 members.

OutcomesProduction

260 tons of Shea nuts sold to Naasakle and other buyers 20 tons of Shea butter sold 90% of Producer organizations applying improved business skills 80% of nuts sold by coops meet buyer quality standards 3 societies have developed Shea products (soap, glass washing liquid, etc.) 4 products sold on local market (Wind Screen soap, Shea liquid soap, pomade, and Shea hand soap) 86 tons of organic fair trade nuts sold,25 tons of organic Fairtrade butter sold

Revenue Generated and Financial Services GH540,000 raised by old and new VSLAs

Organization and Governance 54 VSLAs formed and registered as cooperative societies 1 union formed out of four societies. 54 coop societies are part of the Shea network Ghana 4 out of 54 coops have received their certificates from coop department

Infrastructural Development 2 warehouse built in Busunu Tuteiya and Damongo Naasakle 2 improved processing facilities used by coop societies in Busunu and Damongo 1 tree nursery established Daboya and producing seeds

Impact/Outreach Increase in food security, Shea incomes and employment for over 1,500 Producers in West Gonja in the Northern RegionAbout 200 small scale employments in the rural settings have been created. Employments including drivers of vehicles bought by groups, operators of grinding mills of the groups, additional hands to man shops, additional hands on farms, additional hands on nuts mobilization from the groups and loading of trucks for PBC. The increases in business from goats selling to cattle dealership have created some rural jobs in the project area.

Document 9

Implementation of Women Crops Window Commodity Business Plan (Shea) North Eastern Corridor Integrated Development Agency (NECIDA)July 2012 to March 2013

Location: Tamale, Northern Region

Input9 months advisory services

OutputCapacity Building for 1,894 Shea nut collectors into 30 groups as cooperative Societies and VSLAs.Capacity building for women groups in bee keeping.

OutcomesProduction 136 mt of Shea nut was mobilized by the collectors within the period under review and sold to companies like Sekaf Ltd, SATCO Ltd and some at open market. An amount of GH1,008 was realised from 28 hives at the average of 6 litres per a hive and at the cost of GH6.00 a litre from 7 cooperatives namely, Jakpa, Bumburiga, Zannori `B`, Sambik, Tusunga, Gbalo and Lamaram. 1,600 max bags (136mt) of quality Shea nut was mobilized Amount sold :Open market= (51.5mt), SATCO= (59.5mt), and Sekaf= (25mt) 168 litres of honey harvested

Revenue Generated and Financial Services Through the VSLA, an amount of GH16,600 has been mobilized through groups weekly savings and GH420 also mobilized as groups social funds as at March ending 2013 Value of financial resources raised by old and new VSLAs for VC financing activities(through VSLA contributions) Value of financial resources raised from other sources(credit, grants, share capital, dues)= GH 5,940 Amount raised from revolving fund = GH11,900

Organization and Governance 30 VSLAs formed and trained as cooperative societies (total membership of 830,810 females,20 males) 30 cooperative societies in the Shea zone strengthened and part of cooperative unions Number of societies and unions which are members of the Shea Network Ghana = 30.

Infrastructural Development Rehabilitation of 700 bags capacity warehouse and 3,500 bag capacity ware houses rented (Yeteli, Tambong and Waku). 42 beehives and 8 accessories distributed to 15 beneficiaries from 15 communities in the Shea Zones (given as a revolving fund loan at 10%)

Impact/OutreachImproved Food Security, Increased Production, Incomes and Employment for 820 rural women and 20 rural men.

Document 10

End of Contract Report Organization for Indigenous Initiatives and Sustainability (ORGIIS)August 2013 - December 2013

Location: Upper East Region

Input5 months of Advisory Services

OutputCapacity strengthening of two cooperative societies Navio and Nakolo in Shea butter processing, butter quality, governance and entrepreneurship skills of the cooperatives.

OutcomesProduction 71.0mt of Shea butter sold to open market

Revenue Generated and Financial Services GH52,257 mobilized from VSLAs GH22,996 loaned out to VSLA members GH7,500 profit earned from VSLAs

Organization and Governance 247 members part of cooperatives 235 members of coops supported

Impact/OutreachIncreased incomes, employment and enhanced food security for 1,200 shea nut collectors.

Document 11

End of Project Report Partnership for Development Action (PRUDA)April 2012 to December 2012

Location: Lambussie-Karni, Upper West Region

Input 9 months of advisory services

OutputCapacity strengthening for two Shea butter processing societies (Ekaweri and Amuna) in Samoa and Naawie communities to facilitate their linkage to viable Shea butter markets.

OutcomesProduction 50mt of Shea butter sold 20% increase in Shea butter sales 75% of Shea butter met buyer expectation

Revenue Generated and Financial Services GH93,300 worth of Shea butter sales GH30,000 worth of VSLA money loaned to members to purchase and stockpile nuts at a volume of 55mt

Organization and Governance 100 members of two cooperative societies 50% of co-ops applying knowledge in management and governance 2 co-op societies benefitting from IIAS (Impact Investment Advisory Services) 37 societies part of Shea Network Ghana

Infrastructural Development 50 Beehives established

Impact/Outreach100 Shea butter producers capacities strengthened in marketing and production of Shea butter and nut. 50 co-ops applying knowledge in management and governance.

Document 12

End of Contract Report Rural Interventions for Development and Employment (RIDE)2nd August 2012 to 16th March 2012

Location: Central Gonja and Kintampo Districts, Northern Region

InputEight months of advisory services

OutputCapacity strengthening of Shea collector groups in Central Gonja and Kintampo North Districts.

OutcomesProduction 12 tons of Shea nuts sold 123 tons Shea nuts mobilized and sold 90% of nuts produced meet buyer expectation

Revenue Generated and Financial Services GH5,412 worth of nuts sold GH61,182 worth of nuts sold to the Pure Company and open market

Organization and Governance 38 self-selected VSLA groups with total membership of 854 members 1 union formed and registered as member of the Shea Network Ghana 30 groups are members of the central Gonja Coop Union 6 coop societies trained in Shea butter soap making as an alternative income activity Weekly Shea nut prices collected from 6 major markets in both central and Kintampo North Districts

Infrastructural Development

2 storage structures identified and refurbished

Impact/OutreachImproved livelihoods and food security for 854 Shea producers in Central Gonja and Kintampo Districts of Northern and Brong Ahafo Regions.

Document 13

End of Contract Report Rural Organisation of Women Farmers and Agro-Processing Development (ROWFAD)April, 2012 to December, 2012

Location: Sissala East District, Wa, Upper West Region

Input9 months of advisory services

OutputCapacity strengthening of 27 women groups into VSLAs, Shea producer organizations and Cooperative Societies and unions.

OutcomesProduction 60 tons of Shea nuts stockpiled exceeded target of 30 tons. 25 tons of Shea butter sold 95% of nuts sold met buyer quality expectations 3 local Shea products being sold on the market (Moringa soap, local 3 types of soap (BF, Key soap and ball soap)

Revenue Generated and Financial Services Total amount mobilized by 67 VSLAs is GH126,260 20 out of 67 VSLAs formed with a membership of 477 had done a share out. Total Savings = GH52,829 with a total profit of GH6,683. Value of financial resources raised by old and new VSLAs for VC financing activities (including credits, VSLA, grants etc)

Organization and Governance Training of 27 women producer organizations to stock pile nuts 27 VSLAs formed out of a target of 20 with a baseline of 67 VSLAs 25 cooperative societies are members of a cooperative union. 37 societies are part of the Shea Network Ghana

Infrastructural Development 85 beehives procured and distributed to 85 beneficiaries through bidding 3 storage houses refurbished for storage

Natural Resource Management 250 seedlings planted in Shea Parklands

Impact/OutreachImproved livelihoods and incomes for over 600 women in Sissala East District.

Document 14

End of Contract Report Sustainable Aid through Voluntary Establishment (SAVE Ghana)April to July 2012

Location: Sissala East and West Districts, Upper West Region

Output Capacity strengthening for women groups in 8 communities.

OutcomesProduction 60 mt of Shea nut sold to AAK 100 mt of organic fair trade nuts sold

Revenue Generated and Financial Services GH45,700 mobilized through VSLA

Organisation and Governance 20 coop/VSLA societies formed 30 groups strengthened 4 coops registered 110 members of societies part of Shea network Ghana

Impact /OutreachImproved Livelihoods and increase in incomes for 500 women Sissala East and West Districts.

Document 15

Assignment Completion Report Savannah Integrated Rural Development Aid (SIRDA) March, 2013

Location: Tamale, Northern Region

Input 187 advisory days

OutputCapacity strengthening of Shea women groups in Tamale.

OutcomesProduction 79 tons of butter and Shea nuts sold to the market 17 tons of Shea nuts sold by coop societies 62 tons of Shea butter sold

Revenue Generated and Financial Services GH23,232 mobilized from 20 VSLAs GH116,219 gained from sales of Shea nuts and butter 12 groups out of the 13 coop groups have operational bank accounts

Organization and Governance 13 cooperative groups formed (9 groups are certified) 20 VSLA formed 538 members part of vslas (women 499,men 18) 541 members in unions,459 trained 425 members trained

Impact/OutreachImproved incomes, production and employment for 400 women in 9 communities.

Document 16

Baseline Study and Profiling Report-Shea Butter Processing Enterprises in Shea Producing Areas of Ghana Seidu, Al-hassan (Dr). ICEIR, UDSSeptember 2013

Location: Tamale, Northern Region

Input50 consultancy days

OutputSNV Netherlands Development Organization (SNV) commissioned a baseline study of Shea butter processors in July 2013 to profile viable Shea butter businesses in Northern Ghana. The study broadly produced a comprehensive data on viable existing butter processor groups and enterprises in key areas of production capacity, organisational structure, financing needs and location. The study was carried out in 41 districts in Northern Region (23), Upper East Region (9) and Upper West Region (9) of Ghana through firm level interviews and key informant interviews.

OutcomesProduction Of the 179 groups that produced and sold during the 2012/13 production season, the average output per group stood at 9 tons. About 28 bags of Shea nuts are processed per week by a typical processing group. Technology used for Shea butter production is largely traditional, which is mostly acquired through learning by doing. More than half of the groups 55% use traditional method or processing Shea butter. All 215 Shea butter processing enterprises own one or two types of asset to aid Shea butter processing. The common assets owned by most of the groups include buildings (premises), roasting machines, kneaders, millers, crushers, pots (earthenware and aluminium), basins, poly tanks and barrels 84% of the groups use fuel wood as their source of energy for Shea butter processing.

Revenue Generated and Financial Services Shea butter production in the study area is viable and profitable. Aside the creation of job opportunities for over 7,000 people The analysis of revenue generation indicates that Shea butter production is profitable. Monthly income for Grades A and B is estimated at GH48,000 and GH40,000, respectively. Thus, Shea butter groups with the necessary support and market availability can earn annual income levels of GH576,000 and GH480,000 for Grades a and b, respectively. Financial support is recommended for all 69 cooperatives producing for commercial purposes Results of discussions show that on average, each woman processor will need an amount of Ghc 500 to be in Shea butter processing business. With an average of 33 women belonging to a group it means that 2,277 women processors will need financial support estimated to be GH1,138,500. Thus, on average, each group belonging to this category of processors will require GH16,500 to be in business Governance and Organization The educational levels of both executive and non-executive group members appear to be low. About 38% of them had attained secondary education while 10% attained tertiary education 7,000 individuals are engaged in cooperative business in the Shea industry majority of whom are women 97%. Groups are formed for two main reasons, profit only 32% and for domestic consumption only 2%. Only a few (less than 1%) identified job creation as a motive for operating cooperative business. The rest 64% produce for both profit and domestic reasons. As many as 140 groups representing 61% operate group bank accounts. 73% of the groups interviewed said they collaborate with NGOs, District Assemblies, NBSSI and individuals (mostly buyers) for various reasons including capacity development, advocacy, entrepreneurship development, small loan management, business management and marketing. There are two grades of Shea butter, namely, Grade A and B. Majority of the processors produce the Grade A category which is sold at an average price of GH3 per kilo compare with GH2.50 for Grade B. More than half 58% of the groups have received training in Shea butter quality management and are applying the knowledge gained from the training.

Impact/Outreach7,000 individuals are engaged in cooperative business in the Shea industry majority of whom are women 97%.

Document 17

Final and Reflection Report Tumu Deanery Rural Integrated Development Programme (TUDRIDEP) July 2012-April 2013

Location: Wa East, Upper West Region

Input128 advisory days

OutputCapacity strengthening of 30 women groups.

OutcomesProduction 70 tons nuts stock piled 50 tons butter processed/sold 95 tons nut sold to AAK

Revenue Generated and Financial Services GH120,000 in savings (30 groups) GH14,580 in loans 45 VSLAs Operational

Organization and Governance 45 VSLAs trained as cooperatives 2 Unions established

Infrastructural Development 3 community based warehouse

Natural Resource Management 350 seedlings planted

Impact/Outreach Improved Livelihoods and Food security for 1,600 women in 4 districts in Upper West Region.

Document 18

IB-Shea Butter End of Contract Report Tuna Women Development Programme (TUWODEP)July 2013 to December 2013

Location: Wa, Upper West Region

Input141 advisory days

OutputCapacity Strengthening of the St John Women Society and the Dakompilaayiri Women Society.Market Identification and Needs Assessments for Cooperatives.

OutcomesProduction St John's Women Shea Butter Processing Cooperative Society Volume of Butter Sales (total) = 4 tons Cumulative value of butter sold = GH 10,573 Cumulative price per kg of butter sold =GH2.40 Dakompilaayiri Women Shea Butter Processing Cooperative SocietyVolume of butter sales (total) = 2 tonsCumulative value of butter sold = GH5,743 Cumulative price per kg of butter sold = GH 2.2

Infrastructural Development Provision of Shea butter processing machines by Heifer International

Business Development Services Financial Linkages :Women groups were linked to Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) Each group has an account with ADB where payments to the groups are received and VSLA contributions St Johns women society mobilised GH4,320 for 2013, six women were given loans with the project period members amounting to GH1,430. Amount left to be repaid by the loan takers is GH210. Dakompilariyir women group also contributed an amount of GH2,350 in 2013, From June to November, they gave out loans to nine members amounting to GH1,470

Co-ordination, Policy and Enabling Environment The union of Shea Business Association was initiated with 2 other societies to produce butter for Star-Shea Limited Impact/Outreach82 women with increased knowledge in managing their own business.

Document 19

Final Report on Value Chain Development Women Integrated Development Organisation (WIDO)May, 2012

Location: Kaleo, Wa, Upper East Region

OutputCapacity strengthening of 45 groups and up scaling of VSLA activities in the Nadowli District and to conclude the registration of cooperative unions.

OutcomesProduction 165 women sold 700 bags (58 tons)of nuts to AAK An additional 100tons which were earlier mobilized were sold to other buyers particularly PBC 50 tons of quality Shea butter produced and sold by societies by 5 processing societies 1200 women trained in quality nuts processing WIDO conducted training for 40 communities in quality butter production, the activities carried out included: selection of nut for butter, boiling of nuts, storage of nuts, drying of nuts and steaming of Shea nuts.

Revenue Generated and Financial Services VSLAs mobilized GH310,550 within contract period. GH100,200 was used in Pre-financing Shea nut and butter activities Ghc 210,350 disbursed from VSLA among 179 women

Organization and Governance 2 Unions registered 5 societies registered with Shea Networks as members 45 registered cooperatives societies in 35 communities VSLA materials supplied to 75 groups in 45 communities 135 executives trained in advocacy, leadership skills, group dynamics and cooperative governance

Infrastructural Development 5 warehouses identified used for nuts stockpiling 25 beehives supplied to chaang community

Impact/OutreachIncreased Production, Incomes and Employment for 179 rural women.

Document 20

Shea Value Chain Development focussed on the Establishment of Cooperatives and VSLAs Youth Advocacy on Rights and Opportunities (YARO) January, 2013

Location: Wa Municipal area, Upper West Region

Input 148 advisory days

OutputCapacity strengthening of Shea producer groups. (Adequate financial, technical and vocational resource development).

OutcomesProduction 35,240kg of butter produced and sold 50 tons of nuts sold by coop societies 100% of butter produced meet buyer expectations 630 litres of honey harvested

Revenue Generated and Financial Services GH 77,550 generated from processed butter sold GH 229,876 mobilized from member savings,360 members have benefited by way of loans with a total value GH90,000

Infrastructural Development 45 fully furnished VSLA kits distributed 3 improved equipments used by societies 45 beehives established Organization and Governance 45 coops formed and registered 45 societies strengthened and are members of unions 15 societies part of Shea network Ghana

Impact /Outreach1260 women, 11 men have been reached, with sustainable incomes and improved livelihoods.

Other Documents available in SNV

TitleAuthorDate

1Capacity Development for SNV Clients in the Conversation and Sustainable Use of Shea ParklandsCIKODApril,2013

2The Shea Butter Pilot Project: Implementation Plan: Promoting Inclusive Shea Businesses for Smallholder livelihoods and Incomes Through Innovations and Renewable EnergyRichard Yeboah,MSc-MDF August,2013

3Shea Butter Buyers Assessment FormSNV

4Inclusive Business Shea Butter Project -Quarter 1 Report SNVApril,2013

5SNV NUTS COSTING SURVEYSNV AdvisorAugust,2010

6Proposed SNV Shea Co-operative and Business Model-ORGANISING COLLECTORS FOR DIRECT SUPPLY OF NUTSSNV Advisor

7SHEA SECTOR BASELINE SURVEY REPORTPaul Adraki2009

8Small Business Report -Audit ReportSNV,SEND2005

9SNV SHEA MARKET ASSESSMENT: PRO-POOR VALUE CHAIN ANALYSISJohn AddaquayJune,2011

10Shea Sub-Sector Study GhanaSNV West Africa Shea Team31st March, 2006

11Shea Commodity Business PlanSNVApril,2012

12The Shea Sub-Sector Study -Final DraftCharles K SackeyAugust,2011

13Final Shea Butter Processing Report-AN Energy Analysis of Shea Butter ReportSachibu Mohammed, Enno Heijndermans,Suglo Mboribuni Shea Butter Processing GroupJune,2012

14Shea Market Study Report-Annex to Final Report

15Shea Butter Poster-Best Butter Processing Practices

16Inception Report on IB-Shea ButterSNVApril,2013

17Report on leadership Skills and management Training For Women Group LeadersTUWODEPJuly,2005

18Monthly Report for IB-Shea Butter-JULYTUWODEPAugust,2013

19Monthly Report for IB-Shea Butter-AUGUSTTUWODEPSeptember,2013

20Monthly Report for IB-Shea Butter-SEPTEMBERTUWODEPOctober,2013

21Monthly Report for IB-Shea Butter-OCTOBERTUWODEPNovember,2013

22Monthly Report for IB-Shea Butter-NOVEMBERTUWODEPDecember,2013

23Shea Value Chain Strengthening ProjectCODACFebruary,2013

Glossary of Terms

Advisory Services: SNV's advisory servicesfocus oncreating effective solutions with local impact. They form the core ofour work andprovide us with an in-depth knowledge of the local context and the agendas of local actors, rooted in a long-standing presence in over 30 countries. Our Advisory servicesare geared towardsthe development of organisational and leadership capacities, catalysing market-based solutions and supporting enabling environments.

Inclusive Business: SNV advances economic development and socio-economic inclusion through the Inclusive Business model. This innovative approach seeks to increase the income, production and well-being of low-income groups, while at the same time, generating benefits for participating companies.Through developing Inclusive Business commercial models that involve low-income groups in the value chain of a medium or large company as producers, distributors or consumers, SNV helps companies improve their supply chains, strengthen their human resources and access new markets. Low-income participants benefit by gaining reliable buyers and fair prices for their products, from new jobs and from access to affordable, quality goods and services.SNV has developed more than 140 Inclusive Business projects in Latin America, Asia and Africa working with companies in sectors ranging from agribusiness to renewable energy to food products, tourism, and commerce to construction, among others.

Impact Investment Advisory Services: SNVs Impact Investment Advisory Services (SNV IIAS) has been established to target the 'missing middle' - those entrepreneurs in the developing world who fall squarely between microfinance and conventional financing.Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the developing world can serve as catalysts for sustainable growth by driving employment and supporting social inclusion. However, the potential of these companies often remains untapped because they lack access to capital.SNV IIAS targets the 'missing middle' by assisting partner funds and SMEs in raising investment capital and technical assistance funding, in addition to providing investment advisory services.SNV addresses the challenges of enterprises at the Bottom of the Pyramid, by helpingimpact investors build qualityinvestment portfolios and providinginvestment-readinessservices to SMEs.

Value Chain Development: Value chains are systems of people, organisations and activities needed to create process and deliver a product or service from supplier to customer. Inclusion in agricultural value chains means that smallholders can sell more products at higher prices. This results in increased incomes and long-term social benefits in rural areas. SNV assumes key roles in value chain development as a mediator between stakeholders, as a knowledge broker, an advisor, and most often, as a facilitator. Our goal is to strengthen links in value chains, so the systems can sustain themselves. Our approach includes: Effective public policy management, group strengthening, value chain financing, strengthening value chain service providers and market intelligence.

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