Mustafa Gerima, affectionately termed "Mr. Shea," has taken it upon himself to rescue Uganda's dwindling shea trees, the source of the highly valued shea butter, often referred to as "women's gold." A former biology teacher, Gerima abandoned his teaching career six years ago after witnessing the devastation of Mount Kei Central Forest Reserve, once rich with flourishing shea nut trees, now reduced to a barren landscape littered with stumps.
His mission spans various villages in northwest Uganda, where he educates locals about the environmental and economic significance of the shea trees, which have been increasingly cut down for charcoal production—a more immediate source of income for many families facing poverty. Gerima notes, "Our community is affected by poverty. So they look at the tree as a cheap alternative source of income."
Climate change has further complicated the plight of the shea nut trees, which traditionally bloomed and bore fruit reliably due to seasonal patterns. Today, prolonged drought has disrupted this cycle, leading to dwindling harvests, and Uganda is witnessing a staggering loss of over 140,000 football pitches worth of forest cover annually. This has devastating consequences for local producers like Mariam Chandiru, who has seen her shea butter business decline drastically. "I used to sell up to five jerry cans of shea oil a week, but now I can only fill two," she lamented.
Factors such as the 20-year conflict with the Lord's Resistance Army, which compelled communities to abandon their lands and lose their stewardship over these trees, have contributed significantly to the shea nut trees' decline. Agroforestry expert, Professor John Bosco Okullo, confirms that social unrest and climate change are key contributors to the deterioration of shea tree populations. He points out that when communities were displaced, they resorted to short-term gains like charcoal production instead of nurturing the shea trees.
Despite the dire situation, there are efforts underway to reverse the damage. Initiatives led by Gerima and organizations focused on community engagement are fostering tree planting and regeneration. New approaches involving technology, such as using Artificial Intelligence to optimize yields, are also being explored.
In 2023, the Ugandan government made strides to protect shea trees by prohibiting their removal for charcoal production, although enforcement remains inconsistent. Gerima emphasizes the need for community cooperation to combat this challenge. His advocacy includes grassroots initiatives, curriculum integration in schools, and discussions at local councils.
Through all these endeavors, Gerima is not merely focused on conserving trees; he aims to uphold a traditional way of life for future generations. He poignantly questions, "If they come and only find stumps, what will they think of us?" His unwavering commitment highlights the critical intersection of environmental conservation and community livelihoods in Uganda.
