Prosopis juliflora (sw.) DC in the drylands: A review of invasion, impacts and management in Eastern Africa
Prosopis juliflora is a native tree species of Central and Southern America. Since its introduction in eastern Africa, P. juliflora has invaded most of the drylands with far-reaching negative effects on people’s livelihoods and the environment, amid several benefits derived from its use. This system...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Taylor & Francis Group
2025-12-01
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| Series: | Sustainable Environment |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/27658511.2025.2521946 |
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| Summary: | Prosopis juliflora is a native tree species of Central and Southern America. Since its introduction in eastern Africa, P. juliflora has invaded most of the drylands with far-reaching negative effects on people’s livelihoods and the environment, amid several benefits derived from its use. This systematic literature review aimed to provide empirical evidence from existing studies on the extent of spread, impacts, management options and lessons learned in Eastern Africa. This study utilized results from 52 studies in Eastern Africa selected through a multi-step screening process. Key findings reveal that P. juliflora has occupied significant swathes of land, disrupting native ecosystems, encroaching on water resources and causing socio-economic hardships, but has at the same time provided utilization opportunities for various purposes. In Ethiopia, P. juliflora occupies 12% of the land surface, and close to 550,000 hectares in Somaliland, while in Kenya, its spread has increased more than 200-fold since the 1980s. In Eastern Africa, its management strategies involve mechanical, biological, reseeding after removal and utilization approaches, with emphasis on community involvement and economic utilization. Tanzania and Uganda also promote mechanical removal, reseeding after removal and utilization, emphasizing community involvement and preventative measures. Key lessons across eastern Africa include the effectiveness of integrated approaches combining mechanical, chemical and biological methods with economic utilization; the critical role of community involvement and the importance of continuous monitoring of the rate of spread of P. juliflora. |
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| ISSN: | 2765-8511 |