In Uganda, Mustafa Gerima, known as "Mr. Shea," rallies local communities to save shea nut trees from destruction due to charcoal production and climate change, impacting both the environment and livelihoods.
Uganda's Mr. Shea Fights to Save the Vanishing Shea Trees
Uganda's Mr. Shea Fights to Save the Vanishing Shea Trees
Mustafa Gerima leads a grassroots campaign to protect shea nut trees, vital for shea butter production, from deforestation and climate change's impacts.
In Uganda, a persistent environmental dilemma threatens the future of shea nut trees, known for producing the highly-prized shea butter, colloquially referred to as "women’s gold." Mustafa Gerima, a former biology teacher and environmental advocate, spearheads a local crusade to safeguard these essential trees that face rampant deforestation driven primarily by charcoal production.
Upon returning to his hometown six years ago, Gerima was alarmed to find the lush Mount Kei Central Forest Reserve, once abundant with shea trees, reduced to barren landscapes marred by tree stumps. Now affectionately called "Bwana Shea," he travels from village to village in northwestern Uganda to enlighten communities about the ecological and economic significance of the shea tree.
Local farmers recently shifted their focus to cutting down these trees for charcoal, which they view as a more lucrative income source. "In the past, the shea nut tree had a reliable production cycle," Gerima explained. “Now, prolonged droughts caused by climate change adversely affect its productivity.”
The reality is grim: Uganda loses about 140,000 hectares of forest annually, much of which includes these valuable shea nut trees, according to the Ministry of Environment. The dilemma intensifies as local residents grapple with poverty, pushing them to exploit the trees for immediate economic benefits.
Mariam Chandiru, a longtime shea butter producer from the town of Koboko, lamented the decline in her business due to fewer shea nuts. "I used to sell five jerry cans of shea oil weekly; now it's only two," she said, expressing the frustration felt by many women reliant on this natural resource for their families.
Experts point to historical conflicts, notably the violent insurgence of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) that plagued northern Uganda, as a significant barrier to sustainable management of these trees. Professor John Bosco Okullo, an agroforestry specialist at Makerere University, observed that communities lost their connection and responsibility towards shea trees due to displacement caused by conflict. Post-conflict, a shift toward short-term benefits, such as charcoal production, exacerbated the situation.
With climate change disrupting flowering and fruiting cycles, regeneration of shea nut trees worsens. Urban development further threatens the species, with new structures often replacing the trees. "We require active planting efforts instead of waiting for nature to regenerate," warned Prof. Okullo.
Despite these challenges, hope remains. Campaigns led by Gerima have garnered support, encouraging local communities to plant and protect shea trees. Modern techniques, including artificial intelligence for mapping mature trees, are being employed to better assess potential yields. The Ugandan government has also recognized the urgency of protecting shea trees, implementing stricter laws against their harvesting for charcoal, though enforcement remains inconsistent.
For Gerima, the fight is personal. “Witnessing the destruction of these trees fills me with profound sadness,” he declared. He continues to organize educational initiatives, emphasizing the necessity of collective action for the sake of future generations. "If the next generation finds only stumps, what legacy will we leave them?" he implored, underscoring the critical importance of preserving these ecosystems for both environmental sustainability and cultural heritage.
