Processing and Handling of AB

Collection
o Do NOT pluck from the tree: only fallen fruits are collected; Half eaten, mouldy seeds should not be picked.
o Soft fruits split easily. Not all fallen fruits are soft: keep hard pods in a safe place to soften
o Seeds should preferably be removed on site (under the tree to have less weight to carry home.)
o Only seeds should be taken to the homestead
o There is no need to wash the seeds
o Seeds should not be boiled
o Seeds should not be mixed with any other materials
o Children should not be involved in collection
o Do not harvest from protected forest reserves. Obtain the appropriate permits before entering any forest reserve to harvest AB. e.g. Kakum, Ankasa

Drying
o Drying should be done just after collection
o AB Seeds should be sun-dried just like cocoa.
o Drying needs to be well done on clean mats, preferably on platforms
o No roasting or frying of the seeds
o No fermentation of the seeds
o Dry seeds should not be exposed to moisture, rainfall, etc.
o Separate immature seeds and any foreign materials from AB seeds
Storage
o Seeds need to be kept in clean, dry and chemical free sacks or baskets
o Dry seeds should be stored away from non-foods, herbs, pesticides, kerosene and other poisonous substances.
o Seeds need to be stored in well ventilated, dry and chemical free areas
o Filled sacks should not rest on the ground
o Filled sacks should be kept away from rodents, smoke and other contaminants.

Buying Process

o Buying will be done by Focal Persons on fixed, agreed upon days
o Buying preferably takes place from a collection point (focal person)
o Kilogram (kg) is the only measure for buying
o Weighing is done before buying
o Only well calibrated scales are to be used for buying
o Payment needs to be done to Collector immediately after buying

4. Q. What is the rationale behind the setting of AB price?
A.
o AB oil can be used in products in which palm oil is used
o The price paid for AB should therefore not be more than that for Palm Fruit
o This 2007 season the price paid to Collectors for one (1) kg of seeds is 1500 Cedis
o Target volume for this season is 200,000 kilos
o Focal persons do not have anything to do with the price, they earn a commission per kg for delivered seeds and their efforts

5. Q. Apart from Unilever, which other organisations are involved in the project?
A.
• Novel Development Ghana, IUCN, Technoserve, ITSC, ICRAF, FORIG, ICA, SNV, SWISS Government, Austrian Government.

6. Q. Where can one sell his/her collected seeds after drying?
A.
All collectors should sell their AB seeds to designated communities with focal persons. The communities and their focal persons include the following:Click the following link...