Uganda shea nut (Vitellaria paradoxa), goes under various names including the chi tree. With an origin in West Africa, perhaps Ghana, where domestication history runs a millennium back, the tree is readily available in the rainforests of Uganda. The country grows the main East African variety, nilotica or shea butter.
Why are shea nut trees banned in Uganda?
Like in other parts of Africa, the Government of Uganda has reinforced local traditional laws and by-laws with a ban on cutting of shea nut trees for charcoal production. This review paper has demonstrated the immense social, economic and cultural importance of the shea nut trees.
Where do T trees grow in Uganda?
The t trees are spread in the dryland and sub-humid landscapes of eastern and northern Uganda. The fruits have traditionally been eaten while the dried kernel seeds are locally processed to produce vegetable oil and cake.
What is shea nut oil used for?
Shea nut oil has a range of uses including: medicinal oil for treatment of skin and throat infections, cosmetics, cooking fat, and residual cake used as a livestock feed, wax, lubricant (machines and bicycles) and for soap making.
How can we improve the value of shea nut trees?
It recommends increased sensitization of communities and enhancement of shea nut products value chain for maximum returns to rural communities; by so doing their conservation interests and actions on the shea nut trees will be increased. This question is for testing whether you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.
Are shea nut trees threatened by increased demand for charcoal?
However, the shea nut trees are being threatened by increased demand for charcoal and the expansion of the charcoal belt to many dryland areas owing to perceived good charcoal quality that the shea nut trees provide.