Organic production is considered a potential tool to improve rural livelihoods, especially as the market for organic products continue to surge in many countries. Against this backdrop, the study examined women's participation in organic Shea butter processing (OSBP) and its impact on household income in the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 202 women processors, while semi-structured questionnaires were employed to collect primary data. The relative importance index was used to analyze the reasons for processing Shea butter organically or conventionally, while the Garrett ranking technique was used to identify the constraints of organic Shea butter processing. The propensity score matching (PSM) approach was also employed to determine the impact of OSBP participation on household income. The results revealed that women process Shea nut organically to earn premium, international recognition and market for organic products, financial support, and higher profit. Women who did not participate in OSBP complained about limited availability of raw high-quality materials, long-distance to the source of raw materials and lack of credit. Household size, years in Shea butter processing, own processing equipment, perception about premium for organic processing, perception about ready market for organic Shea butter, perception about accessing credit for organic processing, and record-keeping significantly influenced participation in OSBP. The results from the PSM analysis revealed that the average household income of organic Shea butter processors (GHȻ 4192.037) was statistically higher than the average household income of conventional Shea butter processors (GHȻ 1527.883) at 1% significance level. The study suggests that women should be educated, trained, and stimulated with credit to increase their participation in OSBP and increase household income.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
1.2 Problem statement
1.3 Research questions
1.4 Objectives of the study
1.5 Justification of the study
1.6 Scope of the study
1.7 Organization of the study
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Overview and characteristics of Shea
2.2 Benefits of Shea Butter
2.3 Shea butter processing chain and methods of processing
2.4 Contribution of Shea to socio-economic development in Ghana
2.5 Challenges of Shea butter processing
2.6 Organic processing and quality standards in Shea butter
2.7 Reasons for processing Shea butter
2.8 Factors influencing participation in organic processing
2.9 Impact of participation in organic Shea butter processing
3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Study area
3.2 Research design
3.3 Types and sources of data
3.4 Sample and sampling procedure
3.5 Data collection and instrument
3.6 Theoretical framework
3.7 Empirical framework for analyzing participation and Impacts
3.7.1 Binary choice models
3.7.2 Multiple-choice (categorical dependent variable) models
3.7.3 Sample selection and average treatment effect models
3.8 Conceptual framework
3.9 Data analysis
3.9.1 Analyzing the reasons for processing Shea butter organically or conventionally
3.9.2 Impact of womens’ participation in organic Shea butter processing on household income
3.9.3 Challenges that women face in processing Shea butter organically
4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Demographic factors
4.2 Institutional factors
4.3 Shea butter processing
4.4 Reasons for processing Shea butter organically or conventionally
4.5 Logit model results showing the propensity to participate in OSBP
4.6 Household income
4.7 Impact of organic shea butter processing on household income
4.8 Challenges the Women face in Organic Shea Butter Processing
5. SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary of key findings
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendations
5.4 Limitations of the study
Research Goals and Key Topics
This study investigates the participation of women in organic Shea butter processing (OSBP) in the Tamale Metropolis of Ghana and assesses its impact on household income. The research aims to evaluate whether engaging in organic processing, which often requires improved techniques and adhering to industry standards, provides a significant economic advantage over traditional, conventional processing methods, thereby contributing to poverty alleviation among rural households.
- Determinants of women's participation in organic Shea butter processing.
- Economic impact of organic processing on household income.
- Barriers and constraints faced by women in adopting organic processing methods.
- Relative importance of motivations for switching to organic production.
- Comparison of profitability between conventional and organic shea butter operations.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Background of the study
The Shea tree (scientifically known as Vitellaria Paradoxa of the family Sapotaceae and order Ericales) has received considerable research interest and attention for several decades due to its socioeconomic values and potentials for sustainable development in Africa (Tanko, 2017). According to Kodua et al. (2018) and Pouliot and Elias (2013), the extraction of wild natural resources such as Shea contributes significantly poverty reduction and improved livelihoods in Ghana. Shea also supports the overall resilience of the ecosystem through the prevention of soil erosion.
The Shea tree has other physical or material benefits such as being a source of fodder for livestock and firewood in many rural communities of Africa (Okorley et al., 2008; Jibreel et al., 2013). Shea grows naturally largely in the savannah vegetation regions of Western and Eastern Africa, where the tree is maintained and managed traditionally on farmlands for environmental, social and economic reasons (Fobil, 2002; Sanou et al., 2005; Jamala et al., 2013; Jibreel et al., 2013; Jasaw et al., 2015; Kodua et al., 2018). Sheais a perennial tree that takes about 20 years or more to bear fruit (Antwi, 2013; CBI, 2019). The fruit of Shea contains a nut that is covered with a tin pulp. The nut also has a shell that surrounds the kernel (Saba et al., 2018). The kernel is rich in edible oil. Shea is a long-lasting deciduous bush plant. It can attain a height of 20 m or more at maturity and 50 cm in diameter at breast height (Allal et al., 2013). It has no capacity for regeneration, but can produce nuts for up to 200 years (Fobil et al., 2002).
Summary of Chapters
INTRODUCTION: The introduction outlines the research background, statement of the problem, research questions, and objectives, establishing the importance of the Shea industry for rural livelihood and economic development in Ghana.
LITERATURE REVIEW: This chapter covers the biological characteristics of the Shea tree, the processing chain, and reviews existing empirical studies on the socio-economic factors influencing farmers' decisions to adopt organic production.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: This section details the quantitative research design, sampling techniques used to select 202 women processors in the Tamale Metropolis, and the empirical frameworks, including Propensity Score Matching (PSM) and Garrett Ranking, used to analyze the data.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: This chapter presents the empirical findings regarding demographic characteristics, institutional support, the propensity to participate in OSBP, and the calculated impact of organic processing on household income.
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The final chapter synthesizes the key research findings, provides policy recommendations for enhancing women's participation in organic processing, and outlines the limitations of the study.
Keywords
Shea, Organic production, Household income, Tamale Metropolis, Propensity Score Matching, Conventional processing, Livelihoods, Agribusiness, Value chain, Poverty alleviation, Women participation, Economic impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The study focuses on evaluating the participation of women in organic Shea butter processing in the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana, and determining if there is a measurable impact on their household income compared to those engaged in conventional methods.
What are the primary themes discussed in the work?
The core themes include the socio-economic contribution of the Shea industry, the decision-making process of producers regarding organic farming, the barriers to adoption, institutional support, and the economic efficacy of organic processing methods.
What is the main objective of the thesis?
The primary objective is to analyze women's participation in organic Shea butter processing and quantify its effect on their household income to provide empirical evidence for policy intervention.
Which scientific methodologies were employed?
The study used a quantitative approach, specifically employing a Propensity Score Matching (PSM) model for impact evaluation, Relative Importance Index (RII) for assessing motivations, and Garrett's Ranking technique to identify and scale production constraints.
What information is covered in the main body of the work?
The main chapters cover a detailed literature review on Shea demographics, a rigorous research methodology section, an in-depth analysis of the survey results regarding demographic and institutional factors, and an evaluation of the impact of organic processing on household income.
Which specific keywords define this study?
Key terms include Shea butter, organic processing, household income, rural livelihoods, Tamale Metropolis, Propensity Score Matching, and development economics.
How does the educational level of processors affect their adoption of organic methods?
The study found that low educational levels among women in the processing sector can limit their participation in organic methods, as lack of formal training makes it difficult to adopt and manage improved, hygienic processing technologies.
What role does credit access play in the decision of women to process Shea butter organically?
The results indicate that access to credit has a strong, positive, and significant influence on the likelihood of women participating in organic Shea butter processing, as it allows them to fund the necessary improved inputs and labour.
What are the primary constraints identified by the processors?
According to the Garrett Ranking analysis, the most pressing challenges for women in organic Shea butter processing are strenuous principles during processing, limited supply of raw materials, and the time-consuming nature of the process.
Was organic processing found to be more profitable?
Yes, the study concludes that participating in organic Shea butter processing has a statistically significant positive impact on household income, allowing organic processors to reach niche markets and earn higher price premiums compared to conventional processors.
- Quote paper
- Isaac Ampem (Author), 2021, Womens' participation in organic shea butter processing and its effect on household income in the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1243805
