A noteworthy study led by CABI and undertaken in partnership with Sokoine University of Agriculture, the Tanzania Forestry Research Institute, and the University of Nairobi has uncovered promising sustainable land management (SLM) practices to tackle the invasive tree species, Prosopis juliflora.
This tree is known globally as one of the most troublesome non-native species, and the research reveals that these SLM practices have significantly eased its adverse effects in East Africa.
Research Findings
The findings, published in the journal CABI Agriculture and Bioscience, focus on the motivations driving local communities to adopt these SLM techniques as part of the CABI-led Woody Weeds Project in Baringo, Kenya, and Kahe, Tanzania.
Interestingly, the study showed that even those not directly involved in the project embraced sustainable practices, demonstrating a wider community impact.
Around 75% of households in the surveyed regions—154 households in Baringo and 148 in Kahe—reported using SLM practices.
In contrast, 76 households opted against these methods, and 10 families abandoned their attempts to manage Prosopis juliflora altogether.
Community Engagement
The study revealed some gender differences in adopting these practices.
Male participants were generally more inclined to implement SLM methods than their female counterparts.
Additionally, farmers with larger plots of land appeared more willing to embrace sustainable techniques.
Originally brought from Latin America to Eastern Africa to combat dust storms and provide wood and fodder, Prosopis juliflora has outgrown its intended purpose.
It has spread extensively, turning expansive areas into impenetrable thickets that obstruct grazing and hinder crop production.
Winnie Nunda, one of the study’s authors, noted a shared preference among participants for SLM strategies over the difficulties associated with Prosopis invasions, regardless of the investment needed for uprooting the invasive trees.
Future Recommendations
Dr. René Eschen, another co-author, highlighted a pivot in the community’s attitude towards SLM over time.
Respondents expressed a stronger preference for agricultural practices rather than focusing on managing the invasive species.
The study pointed out the many benefits of SLM, even when considering the challenges tied to initial costs and risks during the uprooting process.
Dr. Charles Kilawe from Sokoine University emphasized the critical role of community interactions, suggesting that neighbors learn from one another through shared meetings and observations.
By visibly implementing SLM practices and discussing their favorable cost-benefit outcomes, more community members began to see crop production as a promising alternative to the encumbrances caused by Prosopis juliflora.
Encouraged by the positive feedback from those adopting SLM methods, the research team advocates for broadening the reach of these practices to other areas impacted by Prosopis.
Engaging stakeholders through demonstrations and community events is likely to inspire further adoption of SLM techniques in various regions.
The results of this study highlight the pressing need for ongoing efforts to engage communities in East Africa and beyond in effectively managing lands affected by Prosopis.
Source: ScienceDaily