In the quiet farming communities of Naapal and Gengenkpe in the Nandom Municipality of Ghana’s Upper West Region, a powerful transformation is taking shape as hundreds of women rise above poverty and economic hardship through Shea processing and entrepreneurship.
For years, many women in these rural communities struggled with limited access to employment, unstable incomes and financial dependency that left families vulnerable to hardship. Seasonal farming often provided little security, while unemployment and economic pressure contributed to household instability, interrupted education for children and increased vulnerability among women.
But within these same communities lies one of Africa’s most valuable natural resources ‘Shea’.
For generations, women in Naapal and Gengenkpe have harvested and processed Shea nuts using traditional knowledge passed down through generations. Their organic Shea butter, naturally processed and rich in quality has the potential to compete strongly in both local and international cosmetic and food markets.
Despite this potential, the women lacked access to modern processing facilities, equipment, market opportunities, business training and financial investment needed to scale production and improve livelihoods.
To address these challenges, FM Shea Women Group (Growthroot Foundation), through strategic partnerships with organizations including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) and the Adaptation Fund, initiated two major Shea processing projects aimed at empowering women economically and strengthening rural livelihoods.
Today, modern Shea butter processing centres are emerging in Naapal and Gengenkpe as symbols of hope and resilience for women determined to change their future through enterprise and hard work.
The Foundation has already implemented several impactful interventions, including training and mentoring Shea processing enterprises under the International Labour Organization (ILO), supporting workplace productivity and business systems improvement, empowering young women through the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) to become export-ready entrepreneurs and providing technical agribusiness support in partnership with Winrock International.
These interventions are already creating measurable impact within the communities.
Women who previously earned little income are now beginning to generate sustainable livelihoods through Shea production and value addition. Young women who once considered migration as their only opportunity are now embracing entrepreneurship and local economic empowerment.
Families are gradually experiencing improved stability, while communities are beginning to see the possibilities that local enterprise can create.
However, despite the progress made, significant support is still required to fully complete and operationalize the Shea processing facilities in Naapal and Gengenkpe.
Critical needs include the completion of infrastructure works, installation of modern Shea processing equipment, storage and packaging facilities, quality control systems, solar and water installations, branding and certification support as well as working capital for women-led production groups.
Stakeholders behind the initiative believe completing the facilities will create sustainable jobs for women and youth reduce poverty and economic dependency, strengthen climate-resilient livelihoods and position the communities to produce premium Shea products capable of competing in international markets.
Beyond economic benefits, the project is also expected to contribute to safer homes improved education for children, reduced vulnerability linked to financial hardship and stronger community resilience.
Project leaders say the women of Naapal and Gengenkpe are not asking for charity but partnership and investment to unlock their full economic potential.
With the knowledge, determination and raw materials already available within the communities the initiative is calling on development partners, corporate institutions, philanthropists, ethical beauty brands, impact investors and Shea buyers to support the completion of the transformative project.
For the women involved, every completed processing centre, installed machine and business opportunity represents more than economic growth ‘it represents restored dignity, independence and hope for future generations’.
Naapal and Gengenkpe are ready. The women are ready. The Shea is ready.
What remains now is the support needed to complete the transformation.
For partnerships, support and investment opportunities, kindly contact:
Faisal Mukhtar
Director, FM Shea Women Group (Growthroot Foundation)
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 0555553553
