After being troubled about where to get the shrubs in making concoction of herbal medicine, herbalists in Acholi land thought of restoring the endangered tree species in the region that are facing extinction.
In the past, the herbalists within Gulu district would move in the suburbs of Gulu and get the shrubs easily since most areas were still intact, but when the area started developing with mushrooming houses and indiscriminate tree harvest, it become inaccessible.
It’s on that ground that the women thought of not only protecting the shrubs that they needed at that time but also to restore the endangered tree species like Shea- nut and African afzelia , commonly known as Beyo, that were getting depleted due to charcoal and timber production.
The endangered tree species like Shea- nut and African afzelia , commonly known as Beyo, are mainly in Acholi region.
Shea-nut, is being hunted for its hard charcoal while Afzeila Africana, its timber has good market in Asian countries where they are used for making furniture and crafts.
In 2014, the herbalists under their umbrella Wise Women Uganda, they came up with an idea of restoring them.
Through their friends, within and abroad they procured land in Panyikworo village, Bungatira Sub County in Gulu district measuring to six acres in 2016.
Women totaling to 80, spread in entire region to date have taken over the restoration of the tree species in the eight districts in Acholi that include, Gulu, Omoro, Nwoya and Amuru all in East Acholi while Kitgum, Agago Pader and Lamwo districts all in West Acholi.
At the site several nursery beds of both Shea- nut and African afzelia , commonly known as Beyo are visibly seen with multiple activities ranging from seeds sorting being prepared to be put in the beds, while mature are being ferried to different directions for distribution.
Women also have Mahogan, Muvule and Musizi with other shrubs.
According to Ms Juliet Adoch the director Wise Women Uganda, being a herbalist she could not access most of the trees where she would harvest tree backs, roots, leaves to make the mixture of her herbs that’s how the idea of restoration was developed.
“ I thought I was troubled alone but when I shared with fellow herbalists, it came to the conclusion that we suffered the similar challenge. It’s on that note that we ventured into restoration of endangered tree species in the region,’’ she said
Hunting for seeds was not a bed of roses, since they have to move to the Lamwo district, that borders South Sudan where they were able to get the first lot of seedlings., she revealed.
“ We were able to get the seedlings with the little resources left after procuring the land and that is how we have been able to move on todate. We have friends abroad who are still giving a helping hand and they are key to environmental protection and herbal medicine usage,’’ she said
But also, the women have a Savings group that helps women to save and get the loans, through that small interest we are able to get small resources to do what we initiated because it was out of the goodwill.
In 2017, they started giving out seedlings, and at the moment 100,000 seedlings of African afzelia( Beyo), have been given out to the local community, schools both primary and secondary schools, while 50,000 shea-nut seedlings have been given out as well
Ms Adoch says that, to them they are giving out the seedling at no cost since their main goal is to restore the environment.
like Shea seeds when processed, it has oil which is rich in vitamin A, E and F, and it helps people who suffer from ulcers and also used as cooking oil and smearing jerry for both children and adults, Ms Adoch said
To her dismay some local government officials have not been supportive to the initiative geared
Alice Lakaraber, who is also a member says a lot of sensitization needs to be done in the community since many of them do not know that the endangered trees species can be planted. To them those are wild trees that grow on their own.
“ of course they have never seen them being planted while growing up, what they found was that the trees were being cut down for business. but we are educating them on how to grow and protect them from those who want to destroy them,’’ she said
She however called on local governments to support them so that they can reach a larger population.
According to her if everyone is put to task to plant ten beyo and ten shea-nut trees in their homes, it can be a relief since they will also act as wind breakers.
Prime Minister Acholi Cultural institution Ambrose Olaa , to him the decision taken by the Women has to be embraced since the trees that are being cut mean a lot in Acholi culture as well.
Some are used for several cultural value like cleansing and other rituals.
“Restoration of the tree species that are being cut massively is vital to us. Government should take up the task of supporting such initiatives in the community,’’ Mr Olaa advised.
However Gulu district environmental officer Michael Christopher Ocan applauded the Women for the initiative on the restoration scheme.
“ Such groups should reach out to our office for more technical support in this move since they are on the right path,’’ he advised
According to him, many people who claim to be planting trees, its majorly for commercial purposes and when the trees grow they cut all of them and find there ways to the market.
Coordinator of ‘Our Trees ,We need Answer’ Arthur Owor lauded the herbalist group for taking the lead in preservation and restoration of what has been destroyed.
“It is in line with our key objective that Shea and Afzeila African restoration campaign in the region.
Our trees ‘We need Answer’ is a pressure group that advocates for the stop on massive tree cutting in Acholi sub region.
In 2017, Ministry of water and Environment put a ban on cutting Beyo and shea-nut trees and any dealing in there products.
But the business is still ongoing in secrecy, something the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Water and Environment Alfred Okidi, said its illegal.
To him, the ministry has not lifted the ban and there are no plans to lift it ,the fact that the two species are the engendered tree species that need protection.
“ Whoever is doing any business with the tree species is doing it illegally and soon a team will be sent on the ground on the matter,’’ he said
The districts were put to task to be lookout on whoever destroyed the spelt out trees in Acholi Sub Region and Adjumani districts where they majorly found.
Uganda forest and woodland is at stands at 24% of the total land area. Of these 9,242.08 km² is tropical rainforest, 350.60 km² are forest plantations and 39,741.02 km² is woodland. 30% of these areas are protected as national parks, wildlife reserves or central forest reserves, according to the available report by Uganda Forest Authority.