
The shea nut tree is more than just a tree; it is a lifeline for millions of people across Africa’s Sahel region, serving as a crucial economic and ecological resource. Predominantly found in Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Mali, the shea tree provides economic, environmental, and social benefits. In Uganda, shea nut trees are highly concentrated in the northern and northeastern regions, particularly in the districts of Madi-Okolo, Adjumani, Otuke, Agago, Abim, Kotido, Kaabong, and Kitgum. However, these trees face a significant threat of extinction, especially in sub-counties such as Jaipi, Alinya, Pakele, Orum, Okwang, Lapono, Paimol, and Lotuke due to high rates of deforestation and unsustainable harvesting practices for the charcoal business.
The shea nut tree contributes to over 60% of household income for women, making it a key livelihood source. It also plays a critical role in environmental conservation by preventing soil erosion, sequestering carbon, and enhancing biodiversity. Shea nuts are a major economic resource, particularly for rural women. The global shea industry is valued at over $3 billion, with Africa exporting approximately 500,000 metric tons of shea nuts annually. In Uganda, an estimated 2.5 million people depend on shea butter production for their income, with women making up over 80% of shea-related activities, from harvesting to processing. This makes shea nut trees a critical resource for economic empowerment, particularly for women in rural areas.
The Global Shea Alliance reports that demand for shea butter in the cosmetics and food industries has risen by 600% over the last 20 years. Shea butter is widely used in skincare products and as a cocoa butter substitute in chocolate manufacturing. Additionally, shea trees play a vital role in combating climate change and land degradation. They function as carbon sinks, sequestering up to 22 kg of CO₂ per tree annually, contributing to climate mitigation. Their deep root systems enhance soil fertility, prevent desertification, and support biodiversity. The World Agroforestry Centre indicates that shea parklands reduce soil erosion by 30% and improve water retention, essential for sustaining agriculture in semi-arid regions.
Despite their economic and environmental benefits, shea trees face severe threats in Uganda due to excessive logging, charcoal burning, and weak conservation frameworks. In Adjumani, Madi-Okollo, Otuke, Agago, Kitgum, and Kaabong districts, over 40% of shea trees have been lost, with Uganda experiencing a 30% decline in two decades (NEMA, 2023). Weak environmental management committees, poor land governance, and unclear tenure rights exacerbate the crisis, while the slow growth of shea trees (15–20 years, PIM, 2022) increases depletion risks. Unsustainable harvesting, charcoal production, and agricultural expansion threaten biodiversity, climate resilience, and livelihoods.
"If we lose the shea nut trees, we lose more than just a resource—we lose a culture, an economy, and a vital climate solution," says Charles Lorem, Senior Natural Resources Officer, Adjumani district local government.
"Land rights and tree conservation must go hand in hand. Without secure land tenure, communities cannot effectively protect shea nut trees from destruction," notes Hariet, the Senior, Lands Officer, Adjumani district.
Land tenure formalization is a critical solution to conserving shea nut trees and fostering climate resilience. Recognizing and securing customary land rights will empower local communities to manage and protect shea tree resources effectively. Strengthening collective land tenure security will reduce land degradation, limit unauthorized deforestation, and promote sustainable land use practices. There is an urgent need for the Ugandan government to fast-track the Genetic Resources and Fair Access (GRFA) policy to ensure legal protections for tree species like shea, preventing their exploitation and supporting sustainable harvesting.
ESAFF Uganda strongly believes that a multi-stakeholder approach, incorporating government agencies, civil society organizations, and local communities, is crucial to addressing the challenges surrounding shea nut tree conservation and sustainable land use. We advocate for the implementation of community-led conservation programs that integrate sustainable shea nut harvesting with secure land tenure. Recognizing collective customary land tenure rights is essential for empowering communities to take an active role in conservation and sustainable land use. In addition, strengthening legal frameworks for tree protection, including expediting the enforcement of the by-laws and ordinances, is vital to regulate the exploitation of shea nut trees and ensure their long-term survival.
"Investing in sustainable shea nut value chains will not only protect trees but also uplift millions of rural women, ensuring economic resilience and environmental sustainability," says a local women’s cooperative leader in Adjumani District.
We further support investment in sustainable shea nut value chains, with a focus on processing and marketing to enhance economic opportunities for women and rural communities. The promotion of alternative energy sources, such as improved cookstoves and renewable energy solutions, can reduce reliance on charcoal production, further protecting the environment. Incorporating shea nut tree conservation into Uganda’s National Development Plan (NDP IV) aligns with global climate action frameworks and the Sustainable Development Goals, reinforcing the country’s commitment to climate resilience. Lastly, providing financial and technical support for reforestation and agroforestry initiatives will help integrate shea nut tree conservation with climate adaptation strategies, benefiting both the environment and the communities that depend on these vital resources.
ESAFF Uganda, working with like-minded partners and government, commits to prioritizing and acting collectively to protect this valuable resource for future generations through collective land tenure security—safeguarding livelihoods, empowering women small-scale farmers, and strengthening climate resilience in Uganda and beyond.
Comentarios