Abstract

In Mali, shea butter is a valuable and unique silvicultural product. It has edible and nonedible uses (fatty spreads, muscle conditioner, soap, etc.), and is the primary source of cooking fat for the rural population. The traditional process of oil extraction, which is a long and difficult task, could be improved by the introduction of a simple screw press that would reduce processing time and improve the oil quality.

Post-Project Summary

The Division du machinisme agricole designed and built three prototypes of karite butter presses. Prototype number one used a 2-1/2 ton car jack descending in a cylinder with numerous holes, into which the shelled karite nuts were placed. The second prototype used a 10 ton jack and hot water circulating in the pipes that were in contact with the karite nuts. Prototype three used a 30 ton hydraulic press. Because of administrative and institutional factors, results were only obtained for prototype three. For this type of press, the pressing time for five kg of karite nuts was between 15 and 20 minutes and the extraction rate was between 30 and 35%, i.e., superior to what is traditionally obtained (25-28%). Because of the high cost of the three prototypes tested, the project had little impact either on the villagers or on the artisans.

Recipient Institution(s)