In order to assess both the level of botanical knowledge of the shea tree species possessed by certain communities, and the relative importance of the species to those communities, an inventory has been taken of the different uses of shea resources. To this end, research was conducted involving 257 people belonging to 12 different ethnic groups in seven departments of the north of the Côte d’Ivoire [Ivory Coast]. The results of these investigations clearly demonstrate the socio- economic importance of shea trees to the local populations of the zone investigated. Some ethnic groups prove to have a very good botanical knowledge of the species and its qualities and have developed systems of management of shea orchards that could facilitate the domestication and conservation of the species. In addition to the commercial use of the kernel and of shea butter on local and regional markets, many other parts of the shea tree and derived products (roots, leaves, peels, oilcakes, latexes and even mistletoes are used for a range of different purposes by rural communities in Côte d’Ivoire [the Ivory Coast]. In medicine and in traditional pharmacopeia, these parts are used in the treatment of several diseases. Shea is also valued at the cultural, nutritional, agricultural, cosmetic, artisanal level. Key words: Agroforestry, Ethnobotany, Vitellaria paradoxa, Côte d’Ivoire

In order to assess both the level of botanical knowledge of the shea tree species possessed by certain communities, and the relative importance of the species to those communities, an inventory has been taken of the different uses of shea resources. To this end, research was conducted involving 257 people belonging to 12 different ethnic groups in seven departments of the north of the Cote d'Ivoire [Ivory Coast]. The results of these investigations clearly demonstrate the socioeconomic importance of shea trees to the local populations of the zone investigated. Some ethnic groups prove to have a very good botanical knowledge of the species and its qualities and have developed systems of management of shea orchards that could facilitate the domestication and conservation of the species. In addition to the commercial use of the kernel and of shea butter on local and regional markets, many other parts of the shea tree and derived products (roots, leaves, peels, oilcakes, latexes and even mistletoes are used for a range of different purposes by rural communities in Cote d’Ivoire [the Ivory Coast]. In medicine and in traditional pharmacopeia, these parts are used in the treatment of several diseases. Shea is also valued at the cultural, nutritional, agricultural, cosmetic, artisanal level.