Resilient livelihoods and the shea butter tree in Uganda

Abstract

The shea butter tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) is an important oil-producing tree species that grows in the drier areas of northern and north-eastern Uganda. The fruits are eaten, usually as a “famine” food during times of drought, while the nuts contain abundant oil, which is extracted and used for cooking, medicinal, hair and skin ointments. Due to its importance and the emerging threat of tree removal to make charcoal, many initiatives aimed at protecting and promoting the tree for improving local livelihoods have been supported by different development agencies. The livelihoods of local communities, especially women, have been improved and conservation of shea trees enhanced. In addition, the Ugandan government has started the Presidential Initiative on Shea trees to foster conservation and increased use of shea trees and their products