The project will promote sustainable non-destructive utilization of shea woodland and increased benefits from the living shea tree that will reinforce conservation and regeneration of the species and its associated woodland Biodiversity.

Based on strong quntitative evidence from a number of studies and pilot projects across the drylands of Uganda on how management, processing and marketing of indigenous fruits and growing of high value trees can contribute to rural development, Hesawa Foundation (HEFO) has identified improved shea butter processing, tamerind, citrus and pine tree growing as favourable ventures that could reverse the poverty trends and conserve the environment in Amuria District. Shea butter is rich in nutrients and has very high demand both in the local and international markets. The improved citrus and pines are drought resistant.

The project will be implemented in Morungatuny, Ogolai and Orungo Sub Counties and will involve primary school children, rural women and men, orphans, widows and other vulnerable groups for two years. By the end of the project span ;1200 hectares of shea trees would have been conserved, 5.4 hectares of pine tree woodlots, 6.4 hectares of orange orchards and 3 sets of shea processing and packaging equipment would have been established involving 6 pilot farmers, 3 schools and 75 (60 women and 15 men) respectively. The beneficiaries of the project will also be trained in Biodiversity conservation, commercial tree establishment and management, improved shea processing, value addition and marketing as well as Community Based Monitoring and Evaluation (CBME) as a Project Result tracking Tool of both Donor and Government funded projects in Amuria District.