Distribution and Socio-economic Impacts of Prosopis juliflora in East Shewa and West Arsi Zones, Ethiopia

Abstract

Prosopis juliflora is exotic species which have been thought to be introduced to Ethiopia as agroforestry. Nowadays it is notorious and emerging problems to animals, native plant species and ecosystems in the country. Precise distribution and socio-economic impacts of the weed is not predictable in the study area. Thus the aim of this study was to generate information for a better understanding of the distribution and socio-economic impact of Prosopis juliflora in East shewa and West arsi Zones of the Oromia regional state. The biological data were collected along gravel and asphalt roads at interval of 10km. Relative abundance and distribution were determined. The locations’ latitude and longitude coordinates were recorded with a garmin GPS in order to map their abundance and distribution using arcGIS 9.1 software. To meet information about socio-economic impacts towards Prosopis, data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires. The study revealed that P. juliflora was observed at Fentale, Boset, and Adama districts of East shewa zone with different infestation level. However, no infestation observed in West arsi zone. Relatively high infestation level was recorded at Fentale due to regular movement of pastoralist around the district to search grass for their animals. Distribution maps showing presence or absence and abundance of Prosopis were developed. The study also revealed that P. julflora mainly spreads through animals’ dung. 90% of respondents in high infestation area stated that the important dispersal agents were mainly cattle, camels, sheep, goats and wild animals. According to 98% of respondents grass species are disappearing from highly infested area. This indicated that P. julflora is suppressing the growth of grasses under its canopy. Fifty percent of respondents in high infestation and 28% of respondents in less infested area also indicated that Prosopis encroaches grazing land, cause scarcity of animal food and forms impenetrable thickets and strong thorns which prevent free movement of livestock in searching of food and causing wounds on their skins. P. juliflora also affect human health in different ways as noted by respondents. Generally P. juliflora has significant impacts on crop production, livestock production, biodiversity and human and animal health.

Keywords: Prosopis juliflora, distribution, distribution map, socio-economic