Sustainability Program
Launched in 2014, the sustainability program identifies industry-wide challenges and implements solutions through a multi-stakeholder approach and collaborative projects that promote women’s empowerment and protection of the shea eco-system.
The program is a unique worldwide initiative to address the sustainability needs of the shea industry through consultation with women’s groups, non-profit organizations, international brands and retailers and suppliers.
The program includes guidelines for sustainable business practices and large-scale development projects.
Project Work Streams
Warehouses for women's groups
Business trainings for women collectors
Health and Safety Initiatives
Research and Development of planting materials
Parkland management trainings
Conservation pilot projects
Sustainability Partners
Sustainability partners are members of the GSA who agree to respect the Global Shea Alliance's sustainability guidelines, implementation criteria, and work streams.
Partners agree to submit a draft plan and annual report to the GSA on their policies, practices and activities that address the guidelines and work streams.
Sustainability Program Impact
The cumulative results of the GSA's sustainability activities, since the program launch in 2014, are presented on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) tree. This framework highlights eight SDGs where the GSA's work creates the most impact.
The program is a unique worldwide initiative to address the sustainability needs of the shea industry through consultation with women's groups, non-profit organizations, international brands and retailers, and suppliers. The program includes guidelines for sustainable business practices and large-scale development projects.
Ongoing Sustainability Projects
Since 2016, the GSA has been implementing the Sustainable Shea Initiative (SSI), a $26 million, Eight-year Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement between USAID and GSA to promote shea market expansion and improve sustainable production according to the GSA program in 7 West African countries (Ghana, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Mali, Benin, CoÌ‚te d’Ivoire, and Togo).