Illegal Charcoal Production Threatens Shea Trees in Kwara, Experts Warn of Environmental Impact

Experts at an inception workshop in Ilọrin, Kwara State, have raised concerns about illegal charcoal production threatening Shea trees. Kwara is set to commission the largest shea butter processing factory in Nigeria, aiming to process a tonne annually and boost local employment.

Despite a government ban on felling shea trees for charcoal, the practice continues, impacting tree productivity and endangering cultivation. Research shows a significant reduction in the gestation period of shea trees due to environmental stressors.

To address this, a team is utilizing tissue culture technology to preserve critical genetic traits of shea plants. The Kwara State Commissioner for Environment and Forestry, Hajia Nafisat Buge, emphasized the government's commitment to protecting the Shea trees and improving livelihoods in the region.