Protecting Uganda's Shea Trees: A Battle Against Deforestation and Climate Change

Sat Oct 18 2025 20:37:16 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Mustafa Gerima, known as "Mr Shea," leads efforts to raise awareness about the plight of shea trees in Uganda, facing threats from deforestation, climate change, and local economic challenges.

Mustafa Gerima, a dedicated environmentalist in Uganda, is striving to protect the country's shea trees—valued for shea butter—from rampant deforestation and climate change impacts. He aims to educate local communities about sustainable practices as poverty drives them to exploit these valuable trees for charcoal production. Concerns also include the lasting effects of past conflicts that disrupted local stewardship, as well as urban development pressures. Despite challenges, initiatives are underway to promote replanting and sustainable practices.

Amidst the lush landscapes of Uganda, a silent battle is unfolding for the preservation of shea trees, the source of the sought-after "women's gold" in beauty products. Mustafa Gerima, known as "Mr Shea," is on a mission to save these trees from extinction, driven by alarming rates of deforestation, climate change, and local economic constraints.

Gerima, a former biology teacher who transitioned to environmental activism upon returning home six years ago, has witnessed the rapid decline of the once-thriving shea trees in the Mount Kei Central Forest Reserve. Local communities, striving to improve their economic conditions, have started to clear these trees for charcoal production—a more lucrative, albeit destructive, alternative compared to sustainable shea nut harvesting.

With Uganda losing approximately 100,000 hectares of forest annually, the impact on shea trees has been pronounced, leading to a significant drop in shea nut production and, subsequently, the livelihood of those who depend on it. Gerima notes that climate change has altered natural fruiting patterns, further complicating the situation for local producers like Mariam Chandiru, who now struggles to sustain her shea butter business.

Historically, the shea tree flourished in Uganda, thanks to community-owned conservation efforts. However, years of insecurity, particularly during the rise of the Lord's Resistance Army, led to widespread displacement and a disconnection from traditional practices that safeguarded the trees. As former conflicts displaced populations, a shift towards short-term financial gains, like charcoal burning, replaced these sustainable practices.

Agroforestry expert Professor John Bosco Okullo, who has studied shea nut trees for over two decades, attributes the ongoing decline partly to urban expansion encroaching on traditional shea habitats and a natural cycle disrupted by fluctuating rainfall patterns.

Despite these grim prospects, there are glimmers of hope fueled by grassroots activism and collaborative initiatives. Gerima has pioneered community walks to raise awareness, sharing the importance of conserving shea trees and advocating for sustainable practices. Alongside NGOs and local councils, there are efforts towards replanting and embracing innovative agricultural practices, including the use of AI technology to monitor tree health and productivity.

In a bid to enhance enforcement against illegal cutting of shea trees, the Ugandan government has initiated policies, though challenges remain significant, particularly driven by urban demand for charcoal. Gerima emphasizes the importance of collective responsibility, calling for sustainable solutions to alleviate economic pressures on local communities.

As he mobilizes village support and seeks partnerships with educational institutions, Gerima remains committed to restoring the shea trees and the way of life they support, ensuring that future generations inherit more than just stumps. His tireless dedication encapsulates a broader fight against deforestation that hinges on balancing environmental conservation with economic viability.