NARO empowers communities to turn shea fruits into wine and cosmetics in conservation drive

LIRA, September 23, 2025 – In a bid to protect the endangered shea tree and promote economic sustainability, the National Agricultural Research Organisation [NARO] has partnered with local communities in northern Uganda to process shea fruits into wine, juice, and cosmetics.

The initiative, being implemented through NARO’s Ngetta Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute [Ngetta ZARDI], is not only aimed at product innovation but also at altering community attitudes towards the shea tree, shifting focus from charcoal production to value addition.

The shea tree, native to northern Uganda and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, grows extensively in districts such as Otuke, Agago, Pader, Alebtong, Kitgum, Lamwo, and Abim. Traditionally prized for its butter, used in both cooking and cosmetics, the species is now under threat due to indiscriminate felling for charcoal, driven by high demand and limited access to electricity.

From deforestation to value addition

“The idea is to show communities the greater economic value of preserving the tree than cutting it down,” explained Alexandria Acipa, a Laboratory Technician at Ngetta ZARDI, based in Lira City East Division. “We are training communities to process and market shea-based products like juice, wine, soap, and lotion. This way, they can earn more while protecting their environment.”

NARO is currently purchasing raw shea fruits from local communities at Shs 3,000 per kilogramme and offering training in post-harvest handling, quality control, and product diversification, particularly targeting women, who have traditionally been responsible for shea nut collection.

“This is not just about conservation; it’s about transforming lives,” Acipa added. “Once people realise the financial value of protecting the tree, they are less likely to cut it down.”

Rising demand, growing threats

According to the National Environment Management Authority [NEMA], urban demand for charcoal has led to widespread destruction of forest cover in northern Uganda. Uganda has lost an estimated 3.6 million hectares of shea habitat over the past three decades due to deforestation, land development, and climate change.

The shea tree is now listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is hardwood properties make it particularly desirable for charcoal, which has become increasingly expensive, rising from Shs 30,000 five years ago to over Shs 130,000 per bag in Lira City. Enforcement of trade restrictions by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces [UPDF] and Police has further contributed to charcoal scarcity.

Women at the forefront of shea conservation

Local women’s groups are already reporting positive change as a result of NARO’s interventions.

Harriet Akullo, Secretary of Can Omia Diro Women’s Group in Ogor Sub-county, Otuke District, noted that her group is now producing a range of shea-based products including lotion, jelly, cream, lip balm, and soap.

“We were trained by NARO, Makerere University, Kidepo Critical Landscape, and NEMA on the shea value chain,” she said. “Now we understand the importance of preserving these trees.”

Florence Akello, Chairperson of the same group in Awei village, said that depletion of the shea tree and other indigenous species has reduced due to these conservation efforts, supported not only by researchers but also local security agencies.

The group has also benefited from training provided by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, focusing on enhancing the shea butter value chain.

Francis Ario, a member of Bedigen Shea Nut Group in Olilim, Otuke, said his group of 30 members has also undergone value addition training under Makerere University and the Kidepo Critical Landscape project.

Scaling innovation

While the initiative is still in its early stages, Acipa confirmed that NARO plans to scale up production and community outreach, with the long-term goal of embedding shea conservation into local economic development strategies.

“Our vision is a community that earns more by preserving, not destroying,” she said.

With growing awareness and support, northern Uganda’s shea trees may yet be saved, not just for their ecological importance, but for the livelihoods they can sustain through innovative local enterprise.

https://thecooperator.news/naro-develops-technology-to-shorten-shea-tree-maturity-period/

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