Review Article
Characterization of Shea Butter Production Systems in the 2kp Municipalities of Benin
Boni Germain Bio Timperegou*
,
Afouda Jacob Yabi
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
57-71
Received:
11 December 2025
Accepted:
22 December 2025
Published:
28 May 2026
Abstract: This study examines shea butter production systems in the municipalities of Kerou, Kouande, and Pehunco (2KP) in northern Benin, where this activity constitutes a critical source of income, economic empowerment, and social security for rural women. Despite the strategic importance of the shea value chain, processing practices remain marked by substantial technical, organizational, and socioeconomic heterogeneity, which constrains both productivity and the quality of the butter produced. The principal innovation of this research lies in the development of an empirical and operational typology of processing systems, grounded in a methodological framework that combines field surveys, direct observations, and multivariate statistical analyses. Data were collected from 200 women processors across 26 villages and analyzed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), chi-square tests, and ANOVA. The key findings identify three distinct systems: a predominantly traditional system (72%), characterized by manual techniques, high labor intensity, and low yields; a semi-mechanized system (24%), which partially incorporates improved equipment and delivers intermediate productivity gains; and a still marginal mechanized system (4%), yet one that achieves the highest levels of technical efficiency, product quality, and standardization. The study further demonstrates that participation in these systems is strongly shaped by socioeconomic factors, including educational attainment, access to equipment and credit, and membership in collective organizations. From a policy perspective, the results underscore the need for differentiated and targeted public interventions focused on technical training for women, upgrading processing infrastructure, improving access to finance, and strengthening women’s producer organizations, in order to promote a gradual, inclusive, and sustainable modernization of the shea value chain in the 2KP region.
Abstract: This study examines shea butter production systems in the municipalities of Kerou, Kouande, and Pehunco (2KP) in northern Benin, where this activity constitutes a critical source of income, economic empowerment, and social security for rural women. Despite the strategic importance of the shea value chain, processing practices remain marked by subst...
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Research Article
Analysis of the Competitiveness of Egyptian Frozen Strawberry Exports in Major Global Markets
Mohamed Refaat Mohamed*,
Shimaa Masoud Bedair,
Manal Raafat Zakaria,
Mohamed Mehana Abd Eltawab
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
72-83
Received:
14 May 2026
Accepted:
2 June 2026
Published:
25 June 2026
Abstract: This Despite Egypt’s substantial production capacity, its frozen strawberry exports face intense competition in major international markets from key competitors such as Poland, Belgium, China, Morocco, and the United States. This strong competition makes Egyptian exports highly vulnerable to fluctuations in relative prices, exposing them to the risk of significant losses in market share whenever export prices rise compared to those of competing countries. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the competitive position of Egyptian frozen strawberry exports in major import markets (Germany, New Zealand, Poland, and Japan), estimate the elasticity of substitution between Egypt and its main competitors, and identify the key economic factors affecting export demand. Using the Substitution Elasticity Model and the Market Share Model, the results indicate that Poland, Belgium, and China are Egypt’s main competitors in the German market, while Poland is the primary competitor in New Zealand and Morocco is the strongest competitor in the Polish market. In Japan, China and Morocco emerge as the leading competitors. Demand for Egyptian frozen strawberries is highly price-elastic in Germany, New Zealand, and Poland, implying that reducing export prices is an effective strategy for expanding market share. In contrast, demand in the Japanese market is relatively less price-elastic, suggesting that non-price factors, such as quality standards and product specifications, play a more important role in maintaining market share. Furthermore, the Gravity Model reveals that the gross domestic product (GDP) of both Egypt and the importing countries has a strong positive effect on export volumes. Geographical distance, on the other hand, negatively affects trade in the basic model,
Abstract: This Despite Egypt’s substantial production capacity, its frozen strawberry exports face intense competition in major international markets from key competitors such as Poland, Belgium, China, Morocco, and the United States. This strong competition makes Egyptian exports highly vulnerable to fluctuations in relative prices, exposing them to the ris...
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