The story

Prosopis juliflora is one of the world’s most threatening non-native tree species. It was introduced to Eastern Africa in the 1970s. Its rapid spread has degraded ecosystems. In Tanzania’s Lake Natron Basin, the prosopis invasion has forced pastoralists from grazing land, threatening their food security and livelihoods. In Kenya’s Lake Bogoria National Reserve, prosopis has also overrun vital flamingo habitats, leading to the death of numerous birds. The lake hosts three million birds, including the largest lesser flamingo population in the world. 

CABI has taken action with partners to manage the spread of prosopis. The work builds on the Woody Weeds projects and the Integrated Landscape Management (ILM) approach, the core of the new CABI Landscapes Initiative. The aim is to combat prosopis and other invasive species through collaborative action. 

Safeguarding pastoralist livelihoods 

In Tanzania, awareness-raising initiatives and training have helped pastoralists impacted by prosopis. The project has provided community members with knowledge and skills on herbicide use and tools to remove prosopis trees. Members of two communities around Lake Natron have successfully managed the spread of prosopis. Together, they have removed trees on more than 20 hectares of communal land. The work is a classic example of ILM in action. The project has both increased access to land and restored essential grazing pastures. 

Protecting wildlife habitats 

In several counties in Kenya, CABI has brought together diverse stakeholders – from land users to policymakers. Across sectors, they have united in groups, leading to the successful management of prosopis. Throughout Lake Bogoria National Reserve, prosopis trees have been removed from the protected area. The groups have partnered with local communities. Together, they have burnt or manually cleared prosopis rootstocks. By focusing on the lake’s shoreline, this carefully coordinated effort is protecting lesser flamingo habitats and re-opening wildlife corridors invaded by prosopis. This protects local biodiversity from the negative impacts of invasive species.