Abstract:

A study to assess the influence of Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDP) settlements on
the abundance, diversity and conservation of shea parkland tree resources was carried
out in Lira and Pader districts, Northern Uganda, between March 2007 and February
2008. The specific objectives were to: document ethno uses of major indigenous tree
species, assess on-farm traditional management and conservation strategies of shea
parkland tree resources and analyze related policies and bye-laws with influence on
conservation of indigenous trees in the shea parkland. Both socio-economic and tree
inventory data were collected from Lira and Pader districts. One hundred eighty
households were interviewed and tree inventory was conducted in 240 plots of 50 m
by 40 m. Results of the study showed that over 90% of the respondents purposely
used shea and other indigenous trees for firewood and construction purposes. The
major traditional tree management strategies included protecting naturally
regenerating individuals when opening farmlands, weeding, early burning and use of
taboos/bye-laws. The willingness of the respondents to protect and plant shea onfarms
was significantly influenced by marital status and duration of stay in the area
(P<0.05). Both relative abundance and diversity of indigenous tree species generally
varied with distance from the camp centre. Most existing natural resource policies in
Uganda do not promote optimal implementation of improved traditional management
practices in the shea parklands. For example, forest policies which do not recognize
secondary-right of trees to land owners make it difficult for people in IDP camps to
effectively implement traditional tree management practices. To improve planning
and implementation of sustainable parklands’ resources management, extended
surveys and research on indigenous knowledge of useful tree species and their uses
need to be carried out. Results from the surveys can then be used to plan for
appropriate tree planting, reforestation and shea parklands rehabilitation in the former
IDP camps. To ensure local communities’ full participation in the conservation of
indigenous trees, both the local and central governments need to plan and execute
appropriate awareness training and extension programmes targeting shea and other
useful trees in the shea parklands.