The negative and positive impacts of Prosopis juliflora on the Kenyan and Ethiopian ecosystems: A review study

Violah KISHOIN; Wycliffe TUMWESIGYE; Benson TURYASINGURA; Wambi WILBER; Petros CHAVULA; Joseph P. GWEYI-ONYANGO; Shuraik KADER; Velibor SPALEVIC; Goran SKATARIC; Lizny JAUFER

doi:10.55779/nsb16111832

Authors

Violah KISHOIN Haramaya University, African Centre of Excellence for Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation, Dire Dawa, P. O. Box 138, Dire Dawa (ET) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9900-6589
Wycliffe TUMWESIGYE Haramaya University, African Centre of Excellence for Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation, Dire Dawa, P. O. Box 138, Dire Dawa; Bishop Stuart University, Department of Agriculture and Agribusiness and Environmental Sciences, Mbarara (UG) https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9484-3751
Benson TURYASINGURA Haramaya University, African Centre of Excellence for Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation, Dire Dawa, P. O. Box 138, Dire Dawa (UG) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1325-4483
Wambi WILBER Haramaya University, African Centre of Excellence for Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation, Dire Dawa, P. O. Box 138, Dire Dawa; Bulindi Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute P.O.Box 101, Hoima (ET) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5788-4527
Petros CHAVULA Haramaya University, African Centre of Excellence for Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation, Dire Dawa, P. O. Box 138, Dire Dawa; World Agroforestry Centre, St Eugene Office Park 39P Lake Road, P.O. Box 50977, Kabulonga, Lusaka (ZM) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7153-8233
Joseph P. GWEYI-ONYANGO Kenyatta University, School of Agriculture and Enterprise Development, Department of Agricultural Science and Technology, Nairobi (KE) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3019-6353
Shuraik KADER Griffith University, School of Engineering and Built Environment, Nathan, QLD 4111 (AU) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2907-5327
Velibor SPALEVIC University of Montenegro, Biotechnical Faculty, Podgorica 81000 (ME) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7800-2909
Goran SKATARIC University of Montenegro, Faculty of Maritime Studies and Faculty of Sport and Physical Educations (ME) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3399-2897
Lizny JAUFER Liverpool John Moores University, School of Architecture, Merseyside L3 5UX (GB) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1724-439X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55779/nsb16111832

Keywords:

ecosystems, impacts, invasive species, livelihoods, Prosopis juliflora

Abstract

Invasive alien species pose a serious threat to the world’s ecosystems and livelihoods. This review aimed to investigate the negative and positive impacts of Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC on ecosystems in Kenya and Ethiopia. The bibliographic analysis highlighted that Prosopis juliflora was introduced to Kenya and Ethiopia to tackle desertification, ensure the self-sufficiency of wood products, and conserve water and soil in 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, and 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 by invading 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. Our results showed that Prosopis juliflora is a serious invader that has a huge potential to invade the arid and semi-arid lands of Kenya and Ethiopia. Therefore, stakeholders at all levels need to implement integrated management strategies to reduce the spread and the negative impacts of this species.

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