Processors' training needs on modern shea butter processing technologies in North Central Agro-ecological zone of Nigeria

Igene L,Van Der Westhuizen C,Solomon O,Sedibe M M,Fadeyi O A

doi:10.17159/2413-3221/2017/v45n1a413

Igene L, Van Der Westhuizen C + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3221/2017/v45n1a413

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Abstract

The need for continual production of high quality shea butter in Nigeria through the use of modern processing technologies necessitated this study. The study was carried out to ascertain training needs of shea butter processors on modern processing technologies in North Central Agro-ecological zone of Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 216 processors through a multi-stage sampling procedure. The data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed that processors were mostly young, married females. Half of the processors had no formal education but had between six and 15 years of processing experience. Extension officers were not fully involved in the training of processors, especially in the areas of teaching and practical demonstrations. The study shows that age ( χ 2 = 38.865, p = 0.000), educational level ( χ 2 = 69.018, p = 0.000), and years of processing experience ( χ = 40.118, p = 0.000) were significantly related to the training needs of shea butter processors. Furthermore, evidence suggests that kneading, milling, crushing, and roasting are areas of operations where processors require additional training. The training of processors by extension officers at least twice a year, especially in the identified areas of training need, is recommended. Keywords: Training, processors, extension officers, shea butter, modern technologies, Nigeria

Highlights

Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) known under its synonym Butryospermum paradoxum is a member of the family Sapotaceae (Ojo and Adebayo, 2013:13)
The results revealed that the majority (93.1%) of the respondents were female, which implies that female processors were mostly involved in the processing of shea butter in the study areas
81.4% of the respondents were between the ages of 21 and 40 years, indicating that most of the shea-butter processors in the study areas were agile youths

Summary

Introduction

Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) known under its synonym Butryospermum paradoxum is a member of the family Sapotaceae (Ojo and Adebayo, 2013:13). Shea butter is used largely in the food industry (for confectionaries such as biscuits, chocolates, pastries, margarines, and ice creams); pharmaceutical industry (for ointments and antiinflammatories); and the cosmetic industry (for soaps, candles, lotions, makeup, baby ointments, and hair care (Eneh, 2010:3). It is used as a skin and hair moisturizer and for protection against the sun (Ololade and Ibrahim, 2014:2). The production of shea nut and processing of the butter serves as one of the main sources of employment for the rural women and children who are engaged in its gathering (Ojo and Adebayo, 2013:13)

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