This study aimed at assessing Shea nut processing among rural households in Fakai Local Government
Area of Kebbi State, Nigeria. Proportionate random sampling technique was used to select one hundred and two
(102) Shea nut processors. Primary data were collected with aid of interview schedule and data analysis was carried
out using descriptive statistics. Result revealed that 91.2% of Shea nut processors are mainly females, 49% aged 51
and above years, 73.5% of the processors are married, while 37.3% had no formal education. About 35.3% of the
processors are farmers, while majority (60.8%) of the processors had between 16 – 20 years’ experience in Shea nut
processing. However, the processing techniques are manual, time consuming, and highly demanding. There are
limited market opportunities for the product. Besides, inadequate credit facilities, processing drudgery and
inadequate storage facilities were the most severe constraints of the processors. It could be concluded that
processing techniques are manual, time consuming, and highly demanding. There are limited market opportunities
for the product. It is recommended that Federal Government should curb importation of products of Shea nut/butter
origin to stimulate the establishment local industries that will use Shea nut/butter as raw materials. This will lead to
mechanisation and commercialisation of the sub-sector. Extension should help locate Shea butter markets and
motivate processors to meet specifications.