Unless urgent action is taken, global demand for shea products could outstrip supply within the next two decades, the Global Shea Alliance (GSA) has warned.
The Alliance noted that West Africa is losing an estimated eight million shea trees every year, raising concerns that the continued degradation of shea parklands could threaten the future of the industry and the livelihoods of millions of people across the region.
The warning was echoed by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, and other stakeholders during the 2026 Shea Day celebrations held in Buipe in the Savannah Region.
Managing Director of the Global Shea Alliance, Aaron Adu said population growth, agricultural expansion, bushfires, unsustainable tree felling and climate change were placing unprecedented pressure on Africa’s shea parklands.
“Across Africa, we are losing an estimated eight million shea trees every year. Population growth, agricultural expansion, bushfires, unsustainable tree removal and the impacts of climate change are placing unprecedented pressure on shea parklands,” he said.
“If we continue on this path, projections show that by 2044, global demand for shea will exceed supply.
“This is not simply an environmental concern. It is a threat to biodiversity, rural livelihoods and an industry that supports millions of women across Africa,” he added.
Story by Kofi Nartey
