This paper presents an assessment of the livelihood effects, costs of control, and local perceptions of the invasive tree, Prosopis juliflora, on rural residents in t he Lake Baringo area of Kenya. Global concern about deforestation caused by fuelwood shortages, prompted introduction of Prosopis juliflora to the Lake Baringo area in the early 1980s. Prosopis juliflora is in IUCN’s new list of 100 world’s worst invasive alien species. The Prosopis juliflora invasion in the study area has recently attracted national attention and contradictory responses from responsible agencies. Unlike some other parts of the world where it has been introduced, Prosopis juliflora potential benefits have not been captured and few people in the Lake Baringo area realize net benefits fro m the widespread presence of the tree. Strong local support for eradication and replacement appears to be well justified. Sustainable utilization may require considerable investment in the development of new commercial enterprises
Publication year
2005
Authors
Language
English
Keywords
environmental impact, species, weed control
Geographic
Kenya
