The negative and positive impacts of Prosopis juliflora on the Kenyan
and Ethiopian Ecosystems: a review
Abstract
Aim: Invasive alien species present a serious threat to the world’s
ecosystems and livelihoods. The aim of this paper was to review the
negative and positive impacts of Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC on the
Kenyan and Ethiopian Ecosystems. Location: Kenya and Ethiopia Methods:
Thirty-one publications were used to write this paper. The articles were
identified through keyword searches such as Prosopis juliflora, invasive
species, impacts, livelihoods, and ecosystems using google scholar
guided by the above-mentioned categories and forward searches of
publications that cited relevant articles helped in gathering
publications. Results: We found out that Prosopis juliflora was
introduced to Kenya and Ethiopia to tackle desertification, to ensure
the self-sufficiency of wood products and to conserve water and soil in
the semi-arid areas. Years later, this species has turned invasive;
although the communities in infested areas have realized some benefits
from this tree such as obtaining timber, charcoal, firewood, shelter,
livestock feed from its pods; the negative impacts of this tree have far
outweighed the positives. Notably, this invasive plant has significantly
impacted agricultural and livestock productivity because it invaded the
pasturelands and farmlands. For instance, the negative health
implications for livestock significantly reduce their productivity.
Similarly, this plant has reduced the diversity of the native trees,
herbaceous, and grasses because of its ability to outcompete them.
Control methods such as biological, mechanical, chemical, and control by
utilization have been tried but none have so far been effective in
controlling this invasive plant. Main Conclusions: Our results showed
that Prosopis juliflora is a serious invader that has a huge potential
of invading the arid and semi-arid lands of Kenya and Ethiopia.
Therefore, stakeholders at all levels need to put in place integrated
management strategies to reduce the spread and the negative impacts of
this species.