The five-year project by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to be implemented by Conservation International in partnership with Uganda’s ministry of Water and Environment, will focus on restoring shea tree populations across four northern districts: Agago, Kitgum, Otuke and Pader, according to the press release.
The project is expected to benefit at least 4,320 people, 60 per cent of them women, over a 4,500-hectare landscape.
“This area and its people have a long history with shea,” said Charity Nalyanya of Conservation International.
“But new external pressures from climate change and global demand are now threatening the traditional livelihoods of rural farmers, many of them women.”
Shea butter and oil, extracted from the nuts of the flowering shea tree, are in high demand globally for use in cosmetics, medicine and food. Yet in Uganda, where the trees grow naturally in woodlands and savannas, shea cover has declined drastically.
Once widespread, the country has lost at least 3.6 million hectares of shea habitat over the last 30 years due to deforestation, land development and worsening droughts. The shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) is now classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of threatened species.
The GEF-funded project will target one of the last strongholds of shea trees, a region where more than 80 per cent of residents rely on subsistence farming. With a focus on climate adaptation and inclusive development, the initiative will restore shea tree cover, offer agroforestry training, improve access to finance, and work with local governments to reform land use policies. It also aims to make the shea value chain more inclusive of women and youth.
“This grant is vital,” said Nalyanya. “Without it, we wouldn’t have the scope needed to support farmers as they transition to a more sustainable crop management system. This is about climate justice for communities that contributed little to the climate crisis but suffer its harshest effects.”
She said shea trees also offer natural climate solutions. Their deep root systems help prevent soil erosion, improve water retention, and absorb carbon from the atmosphere — all crucial services in a region facing increasing heat and rainfall variability.
The shea industry in sub-Saharan Africa generates over $200 million annually for 16 million women smallholder farmers. But in Uganda, the productivity of shea trees has diminished during prolonged dry seasons, threatening a key source of income for rural families.
“Climate-smart” strategies, experts say, are essential to protect not just biodiversity but also the food and economic security of vulnerable communities. GEF CEO Carlos Manuel Rodríguez said the Uganda project reflects the deep link between ecological resilience and human wellbeing.
The project, which will run from 2025 to 2029, will be implemented locally in collaboration with the Kampala-based Africa Innovations Institute.
I am happy to read about the restoration of shea trees. Equally in Teso, shea tree are disappearing due to charcoal burning. I request to partner with this organisation to restore shea in Katakwi, Amuria, Kapelebyong, and other districts in Teso sub region.
I am in the process of registering a CBO that specifically addresses is restoration of shea trees in Teso sub region.
I will be available for any further information on how we can do the partnership.
I also be very glad to receive more innovative ideas from you on how to improve shea oil extraction and marketing.
I will also welcome any training opportunities on shea conservation efforts.
Once more I am ready to play a role in conservation and value addition to share.
Hope to continue interacting with you. I am equally drafting a proposal to GEF on the same subject and in need of a mentor.
Developed world will be happy as they need Shea in Beauty Industry! Ugandans MUST ensure they are well governed so that Agriculture is modernised & farmiers get the benefit they deserve!
Am so impress to hear about this new Shea conservation project coming to northern with aims to address climate resilience boost at protecting the country’s endangered shea trees. strengthening livelihoods tied to them.
The project came at the right time when many Shea trees are so endangered to climatic changes, land development and agricultural activities. My suggestions is that, this project should also be extended in other district like Lamwo. I personally have 45 Shea trees in my land. Therefore, I and my fellow community members similarly would like to benefit from this project too.
Thanks and kind regards
Being an FMNR Champion in omoro district labora sub-cunty, who is promoting Farmer Manage Natural Regeneration project with world vision Uganda where many farmers are now embarrassing the importance of regenerating/restoring the already depleted Natural trees of which shea is one of the category, therefore I hope this initiative is brought to us farmers of omoro and we do it hand in hand with FMNR project.
To fully support the restoration process of the endangered tree species.
Thanks.