Samenvatting

Shea tree fruits is first processed as shea kernels for sale or further processed into butter. The butter has been used over time in food, cosmetic and industrial purposes. Processing shea as an individual usually comes with a risk of poor sales at the market due to inefficiencies. To avert this and other risks, processors form groups termed shea cooperatives. Apart from mitigating risks, cooperatives are also engaged in economic activities like disbursement of credit, distribution of agricultural inputs (e.g. jute sacks, packaging boxes, and plastic lying, gloves among others). These processors normally unanimously select leaders to steer the affairs of the cooperative. They perform tasks for and on behalf of the group, with the main task being marketing and market linkage establishment. The objective of this research was to assess the knowledge gap of factors hindering Shea cooperatives management in the East Gonja District of Northern Ghana’s ability to sustain established market linkages.