SheTrades Knowledge

This handbook – in Igbo – is for women who trade food and agricultural goods across West African borders on a small scale. It gives clear, practical guidance to help them understand border procedures, identify the right institutions, and follow the rules of trade.

Many women face unsafe or unfair conditions at the border. This handbook explains what to expect, how to prepare, and where to get help. It is organised in five parts: the role of small-scale cross-border trade in the region; common trade routes and border officials; regional trade rules and tools; how to prevent and report corruption or abuse; and how to trade more safely and formally.

The handbook draws on real stories from women traders and border officials. It shows how clear information and better coordination can make trade safer, fairer and more predictable for women across the region.