Sustainable Shea

The first project in the Gambella region of West Ethiopia, Sustainable Shea builds on Tree Aid's experience in Ghana and Burkina Faso.

It aims to grow shea and other indigenous trees and encourage communities, especially women, to improve household incomes through selling shea products.

227,000

shea and other
native trees will be planted

240

households will grow
incomes through NTFPs

16,700

ha of forest will be
sustainably managed

Why this project matters

The country’s forests, which provide crucial non-timber forest products (NTFPs) like nuts and seeds, are increasingly threatened by the climate crisis.

Rural families rely on these resources as a sustainable income source. As climate impacts worsen, the availability of NTFPs is diminishing, placing both ecosystems and community livelihoods at serious risk.

Our Aims

This project will sustainably manage 16,700 hectares and restore nearly 3,000 hectares of degraded forest through tree planting and by building the capacity of local authorities and communities to lead community forest management schemes.

This locally-led project will also equip community members with the right skills to sustainably harvest and sell non-timber forest products, such as shea butter and oil, creating new income opportunities.