Experts have warned that illegal charcoal production and climate change are endangering shea trees in Kwara State, even as the government prepares to open a 50-tonne-per-day processing plant in Kaiama. The factory, the largest state-owned in Nigeria, is expected to process over 50,000 tonnes annually and create thousands of jobs.
At a workshop in Ilorin, Professor Olabisi Fatimah Adekola said widespread tree felling continues despite bans, reducing yields and rural incomes. She noted that shea trees now flower once a year instead of three, warning that unchecked destruction could erase research gains in boosting productivity.
State officials and partners pledged conservation support. Environment Commissioner Hajia Nafisat Buge promised protection of shea parklands, while the Global Environment Facility announced a $50,000 initiative for farmer training. Experts cautioned that without enforcement and reforestation, Kwara’s shea ambitions could be at risk.
