Analysis of Shea Butter (Vitellaria paradoxa) Marketing in Ibarapa Central Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria

Shea butter marketing is one of the options for sustainable livelihood business and employment creation in Nigeria. However, shea butter marketing has not been fully considered as profitable enterprise with investment potential in the country. Hence, this study was carried out to analyse marketing of Shea butter in Ibarapa Central Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria using standard methods with of well-structured to select 60 respondents. The result of budgeting analysis revealed that the rate of return on investment indicated a positive average of 0.64. Benefit cost ratio analysis gave a value of 1.64 which suggested that the business is lucrative and profitable. Lack of capital, high cost of transportation and lack of storage facilities were identified as a major constraint in Shea butter marketing. The study recommends provision of credit facilities at low interest rate, appropriate government policies to promote export and adequate transport facilities for easy movement of Shea butter from producing areas to urban centres.