In a world grappling with environmental challenges, the story of Lucy Everlyn Atim stands as a testament to resilience and innovation. After returning to Uganda from her work with refugees in South Sudan, Atim confronts the alarming decline of shea trees—an integral part of her childhood and local ecosystem—prompting her to launch a transformative initiative. Through her efforts, she empowers women in her community while championing the sustainable use of resources, offering hope for both people and the planet.
In Alebtong, Uganda, Lucy Everlyn Atim recently returned home after six years as a child rights activist in South Sudan’s refugee settlements, only to discover that her beloved shea tree was no longer standing. Locally known as moyao, this tree held monumental significance for her youth; she and her friends would gather under its branches to enjoy its sweet, creamy fruit before heading off to school. Sadly, the loss of her cherished tree parallels a troubling trend across northern Uganda, where many shea trees are being cut down to meet the growing demand for charcoal.
Atim, now in her mid-thirties and committed to environmental activism, expressed her concern over the destruction of shea trees, stating that they must be preserved, while simultaneously recognizing the need for alternative fuel sources. Uganda is losing an estimated 122,000 hectares of forest annually, primarily due to charcoal production and logging. With 90% of households relying on charcoal for cooking, this pressure has led to the disappearance of indigenous species, including shea and Afzelia africana.
Research from Makerere University indicates a significant decline in mature shea tree populations in fallow areas, dropping from roughly 20 trees per hectare in 2008 to only 10 to 15 by 2017. Dr. Patrick Byakagaba, an environmental researcher at the university, emphasized the need for comprehensive studies on the dwindling shea tree population, noting that charcoal producers often uproot entire trees, complicating tracking efforts.
During her time in South Sudan, Atim encountered a woman in Yida who was creating fuel briquettes from discarded shea husks. Intrigued, she realized this innovative practice could be replicated in Uganda. In 2023, Atim founded the Moyao Africa Initiative, a social enterprise focused on converting shea waste into fuel briquettes while empowering women to earn a living through shea butter processing.
The initiative has grown to employ six staff members and collaborates with over 1,200 women organized in savings groups to collect shea waste, produce briquettes, and process shea butter. Atim emphasized the practical impact of this work: “In many households, women bear the responsibility of securing cooking fuel. By training them in briquette production and shea butter sales, we’re not only providing an affordable alternative to charcoal but also creating sustainable income sources.”
During a recent training session in Alebtong, 15 women gathered to learn how to turn discarded shea husks into cooking fuel. They enthusiastically shared the process: collect the husks, crush them, mix with clay and cassava flour, mold, dry, and store. The transition from theory to practice unfolded as women actively participated, demonstrating hands-on skills as they prepared the briquettes.
Among them was Catherine Akello, chair of the Oteno Moyao Africa Women’s Group in Abwoc village. Initially, Akello had only valued shea kernels, discarding husks as waste. Under the initiative, she learned to utilize husks as a fuel source. “Now, I don’t have to worry about buying charcoal because I can make my briquettes from shea husks,” Akello shared. Furthermore, the group’s collaborative selling efforts enable them to save money, providing financial support for their families during emergencies.
While demand for briquettes is increasing, production remains seasonal, prompting Atim to save for essential equipment like a carbonizer and briquette-making machine. This machinery, costing about 0, would enhance production capacity, enabling year-round processing of shea waste and meeting the growing demand.
Renewable energy expert Bosco Odyek highlighted the significance of transforming shea husks into briquettes as a notable alternative to charcoal, suggesting that carbonization would yield cleaner, smokeless fuel. Beyond fuel production, the Moyao Africa Initiative also fosters environmental awareness through clubs in 20 schools across Alebtong District and collaborates with the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) to distribute tree seedlings for landscape restoration.
Despite the positive strides made by initiatives like Atim’s, humanitarian expert Paul Mwirichia pointed out that access to clean energy remains prohibitive for many rural households. He advocated for better implementation of existing policies and emphasized the importance of supporting indigenous organizations that truly understand and address the challenges faced by their communities.
At the heart of Atim’s work lies a commitment to preserve the shea tree that once shaped her childhood. Although that tree is gone, her hope is that transforming discarded husks into fuel will reduce the need for further deforestation while empowering women economically. “We are leaving no one behind,” Atim insists, as she strives to create a sustainable future for her community, one briquette at a time.
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