The West African Centre for Shea Innovation and Research (WACSIR) is a Centre of excellence at the University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana. The Centre is located on the Nyankpala Campus. The activities of the Centre revolve around conducting cutting-edge and evidence-based research to enhance knowledge and influence policy at the local, national and international levels in the area of shea. With this, it is expected that effective policies will be implemented across shea dominated West African countries to boost local economy, particularly to empower women economically and to enhance macroeconomic balance through foreign exchange earnings. This is premised on the potentials that shea promises for the West African sub region, especially, to women and the youth.
we also, facilitate and coordinate research funding, manage the implementation and execution of grants in shea innovation and value chain development research, create networks and platforms for broader interaction among agricultural researchers, development economists, statisticians, policymakers and all other relevant actors in the shea industry. To achieve this, we work closely with local communities, government, international organisations, industry partners and research institutions to identify and address the challenges and opportunities facing the shea industry.
WACSIR also seeks to improve the business incubation and innovations in the industry (e.g., reduction of shea maturity and fruiting period, improve shea collections and butter processing) to increase income of the rural households
Our Core Values
- W: Workable Solutions
- A: Altruistic
- C: Credibility
- S: Standards
- I: International
- R: Realistic
Key Thematic Research Areas
Our key thematic research areas include, but not limited to:
- Marketing: Fair trade, Entrepreneurship and Finance
- Waste management: Innovation, environment and climate change
- Policy issues: Advocacy and sustainable industry
- Agronomy: the omics of the shea tree (Vitellaria).
- Governance: Institutions, Gender and Equity
- Sustainable Shea Production
- Market Access and Value Chains: We research value chains, market dynamics, and trade opportunities to identify ways to enhance market access for shea products
- Policy and Advocacy: We study existing policies, identify gaps, and advocate for policies that support sustainable shea production, women's empowerment, and climate resilience.
- Land Governance: At WACSIR, we emphasize secure land tenure and access to climate information as key factors for building resilient agricultural systems.
- Land Economics: It examines how land is valued, traded, and utilized to maximize economic benefits while ensuring environmental sustainability for shea production
Collaborating with WACSIR offers numerous benefits for various stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, development organizations, and businesses. Here are some compelling reasons to collaborate with us:
Expertise and Innovation
WACSIR is at the forefront of research and innovation in the shea industry. Our team of experts is dedicated to developing cutting-edge technologies and practices that enhance the quality and efficiency of shea production. By collaborating with us, you gain access to our wealth of knowledge and innovative solutions, enabling you to stay ahead in the industry.
Empowering Communities
one of our objectives is to empower communities, particularly women, through capacity building and market access initiatives. Collaborating with WACSIR means contributing to the economic and social empowerment of rural communities across West Africa. Together, we can create opportunities for these communities to improve their livelihoods and achieve sustainable development.
Environmental Stewardship
WACSIR is committed to promoting sustainable harvesting practices and conserving shea trees. Our research initiatives focus on integrating sustainable practices that protect the environment and ensure the long-term viability of the shea industry. By partnering with us, you support efforts to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship, aligning with global sustainability goals.
Climate Resilience
In the face of climate change, building resilience is crucial. WACSIR's work on climate adaptation strategies, secure land tenure, and access to climate information helps farmers adopt practices that enhance their resilience to climate variability. Collaborating with us enables you to contribute to creating resilient agricultural systems that can withstand the challenges of climate change.
Collaborative Research Opportunities
WACSIR values collaboration and partnerships. By working with us, you could engage in collaborative research projects that address key challenges in the shea industry. Our collaborative approach ensures that research findings are translated into practical solutions that benefit farmers, communities, and the industry.
Impactful Projects
Our projects have a proven track record of making a positive impact on the shea industry and the communities we serve. By partnering with WACSIR, you can be part of impactful initiatives that drive positive change, promote sustainable development, and improve the livelihoods of those involved in the shea value chain.
Access to Markets and Networks
WACSIR has established strong connections with local communities, governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, and international partners. Collaborating with us provides you with access to a vast network of stakeholders and markets, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, resources, and opportunities for growth.
Alignment with Global Goals
WACSIR's work aligns with several SDGs. Collaborating with us allows you to contribute to achieving these global goals and making a meaningful difference.