GEF Awards $6.7 Million to Conservation International: A Sustainable Boost for Uganda’s Shea Trees and Rural Communities Facing Climate Change

GEF Grants $6.7 Million to Protect Shea Trees and Local Communities in Uganda

The Global Environmental Facility (GEF) has approved $6.7 million for a new initiative aimed at safeguarding Uganda’s shea trees and the communities reliant on them. This project will be led by Conservation International and is part of a larger effort to bolster climate resilience.

Shea nuts, harvested from the flowering shea tree, are used globally in cosmetics, food, and medicine. However, the supply from northern Uganda is under threat. These trees are classified as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. Over the past 30 years, Uganda has lost 3.6 million hectares of shea tree cover due to deforestation and climate change.

This decline not only impacts the environment but also poses significant challenges for local economies. The shea sector generates over $200 million annually, primarily benefiting about 16 million rural women who handle the nuts. Shea trees play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Their deep roots prevent soil erosion, retain water, and help sequester carbon dioxide.

The GEF-funded project, titled "Building a Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Shea Landscape of Northern Uganda," will assist 4,320 individuals across four districts where agriculture is the mainstay for 80-97% of residents. Notably, women will represent 60% of the participants.

Charity Nalyanya from Conservation International emphasized the urgency of the project, stating, “New pressures from climate change and global demand are jeopardizing traditional livelihoods. This initiative seeks to strengthen the bond between people and nature.”

Key strategies for the project include:

• Enhancing local policies related to land and natural resources.
• Offering training in agroforestry.
• Promoting inclusivity in the commercial shea value chain for women and youth.
• Restoring shea tree populations and monitoring their growth.
• Providing access to alternative financing for sustainable livelihoods.

According to recent studies, African countries contribute less than 4% to global greenhouse gas emissions yet face some of the most severe climate impacts. Uganda is particularly vulnerable, as it has limited capacity to adapt to these challenges.

Shea trees have been less productive due to increasing heat and water scarcity linked to climate change. Climate-smart efforts, like this GEF project, are vital for achieving economic and food security.

Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, CEO of GEF, remarked on the interconnection of resilience, livelihood, and human wellbeing. This collaboration will not only restore shea trees but also support local and global communities.

The project is set to run from 2025 to 2029, in coordination with Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment and the Africa Innovations Institute. Participating districts include Agago, Kitgum, Otuke, and Pader, collectively covering around 15,000 hectares.

By protecting these crucial trees, the project aligns with Conservation International’s goals of fostering nature-positive economies and combating climate change.

For more information on Conservation International, visit Conservation.org.

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