WASTE GENERATION IN SHEA BUTTER (Vitellaria paradoxa) PRODUCTION AND ITS MANAGEMENT: A REVIEW

Abstract

Waste disposal is a big challenge in shea butter industry in the presence of tannin, an environmental pollutant which is toxic to soil microbes, makes the waste recalcitrant to biodegradation and unacceptable to animals as feed. Wastes generated during Shea butter processing are indiscriminately disposed thereby becoming menace to the environment There is lack of enough research into handling and Management of waste from shear butter production. There is different method of shea butter processing and each resulted to waste generation. These methods include: Traditional (local), Mechanical and chemical methods. Local method of shea butter production generates more wastes than mechanical and chemical methods. The negative effects of shea butter waste on environment includes: choking of drain, breed mosquitoes, water borne ailments, generate foul odors and also people using local method of processing normally suffer from smoke related diseases. Waste generated in shea butter production includes: Husk- for removing heavy metals from waste water, making flower vase, plates and decorations, Slurry- Used for local air fresheners, local provision of lightening (candle), Black deposits- used for the filling of cracks in buildings, paint making and local ink usage on slates and board and Waste Water- After potential treatments, can be used for domestic activities of washing, as insecticide and for irrigation farming.