Agrobiodiversity and indigenous knowledge represents a strategic force to combat poverty and food insecurity. Women's income from shea nut tree products pays for children's school fees, clothing, food and items of daily use, while the oil itself nourishes the family. In times of drought and famine, the shea tree typically yields more fruit, providing an important nutritional buffer for the rural poor. The farming practices of the shea nut tree and the production of the shea nut butter are described. Shea butter has been a boon to African women as it has provided them with the dignity of labor and economic independence with a side income.