KARINEE - Market study of the shea value chain in Guinea
Main goals
Analyse the shea butter market and competition in order to identify opportunities, challenges and strategies for effectively positioning Guinea Conakry in this segment
Specific objectives
SO1. Evaluate the potential for supply of organic shea nuts in Guinea
SO2. Analyse the value chain for certified organic raw shea butter, from collection of raw materials to marketing in the country in comparison with the value chain in other producing countries
SO3. Study the demand for organic raw shea butter on local, regional and international markets
SO4. Identify the main competitors and the prices they charge
Results
R1. A map of shea nut production areas in Guinea suitable for organic certification
R2. A detailed analysis of the stakeholders involved in the value chain, with a focus on the requirements for organic certification. Specify in particular the differentiation provided by Guinean shea and its value chain, highlighting the difficulties/constraints inherent in the country's production and marketing chain
R3. A report on market trends for raw organic shea butter, including demand, prices and consumer preferences
R4. A comparative analysis of direct competitors (organic shea producers/exporters) and their strategies
Activities
A1. Statistical and bibliographical review of the sector
A2. Field mission to the production basins to meet collectors, groups, cooperatives, traders, exporters and other stakeholders in Guinea
A3. Qualitative interviews with experts in the organic sector, certification representatives and international traders/buyers
Related people
Odilon Chambers
As a geographer, specializing in rural development, he has been based in West Africa since 2016. First stationed in Mali on behalf of Luxembourg cooperation, he then joined the team in 2021. Hands-on man, he coordinates agricultural activities in the north of Côte d'Ivoire around cashew-food production systems, forest resources (shea), product labeling as well as environmental conservation around the Comoé National Park. It is also involved in specific studies on value-chain, traceability and marketing
Jules-Dorgeles Gomeu
Holder of an engineering degree in management of mining, oil and energy activities, he brings his expertise in the coordination, implementation and monitoring of project activities implemented by Nitidae in the shea processing sectors, cassava and cashew nuts, with particular expertise in supporting cooperatives and agri-food industrial units. With significant experience in managing projects on the processing of cassava, shea and cashew nuts financed by national and international institutions such as FIRCA, USAID and AFD, the Rho Alpes Region, he enjoys an ability to effectively coordinate teams, manage administrative and financial aspects, as well as cultivate fruitful relationships with partners and stakeholders. His solid academic background in engineering and project management complements his profile, allowing him to approach complex challenges with a holistic and strategic approach."
Mandjou Doumbouya
Graduated in social science/community development from Julius Nyéréré University in Kankan and the Higher Institute for Distance Education in Guinea. He has worked for more than 7 years in local development projects in Guinea and the analysis of agricultural markets. He is particularly qualified in local development, organization of agricultural actors, development of markets and value chain and Market Information Services (MIS)
Anaïs Chotard
A graduate of ISTOM and a Master's degree in Natural Resource Management in a tropical environment, she has more than 15 years of international experience in structuring responsible value chains (particularly in West Africa) and in France. She has a good understanding of quality approaches, organic and fair trade certifications, and agroecology and agroforestry production systems. She has worked within cooperatives, commercial companies, training structures, research and NGOs, which allows her to have a good understanding of the challenges of the value chains. She joined the team in 2024, and takes part in studies and projects, particularly on shea and for more inclusive sectors for women and young people.