Northern Uganda: Shea nut trees under threat from charcoal dealers
The encroachment on shea nut trees in northern Uganda for charcoal is greatly affecting the income of farmers especially women in the area.
In the northern districts of Gulu, Lira, Kitgum among others, you can hardly move for a long distance without identifying a shea nut tree.
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The trees are scattered everywhere.
Men especially those into illegal charcoal burning and firewood business often see them as a source of income.
Recently, officials from the National Environment Management Authority cautioned residents of Gulu against selling shea nut trees to charcoal dealers.
Adriko Sarah, one of the affected women from northern Uganda narrates how men have frustrated her business as they cut down the trees.
Previously she could sell Shea butter to travellers but this is not the case anymore.
NEMA and the Uganda Export Promotions Board have embarked on a campaign to preserve the available trees and encourage farmers to plant more trees.
Shea butter products are on high demand in countries like Japan, Germany and United Kingdom.
