Local Institutions and the Governance of Tree Resources: The Case of the Shea Tree (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F Gaertn.) in West Nile Region of Uganda

Abstract

The role of institutions in conservation of biological resources is globally recognised. This study is aimed at assessing institutions governing conservation and management of the Shea tree in West-Nile region of Uganda where it is at risk of extirpation. Arua and Nebbi districts which are dominated by different ethnic groups were selected for the study. The study involved 200 respondents, six focus groups and 20 key informants. Chi-square tests were used to analyse the origin and level of compliance to institutions between the two districts. A multinomial logit model was used to analyse factors influencing levels of rule enforcement. Content analysis was used to analyse data from key informants and focus group discussions. The results showed the existence of seven different rules that were categorised as management, conservation and harvesting rules. The level of compliance to rules for the Shea tree was higher in Nebbi than Arua. Involvement in rule crafting, clarity of resource boundary, age, education level and ethnicity of respondents significantly influenced participation in rule enforcement. The study concluded that traditional institutions are relevant in the conservation of Shea trees. It is therefore, vital to incorporate them into statutory laws in the quest for sustainable management of Shea tree.

Keywords

• local and statutory institutions
• governance
• shea tree
• west nile region