Management of Prosopis Juliflora Invasion in Baringo County, Kenya through Utilization

Abstract

Desertification in areas surrounding Lake Baringo in the early 1970’s prompted introduction of Prosopis juliflora. The introduction and subsequent invasion of Prosopis juliflora has over the years attracted attention due to its negative impacts. Despite all the misconception surrounding its introduction Prosopis juliflora produces a variety of valuable goods and services. The study was conducted in Marigat Sub County in Baringo County to determine the economic contribution of Prosopis juliflora enterprises to household incomes and employment. The study involved administration of a structured questionnaire to 63 randomly selected members of the six Charcoal Producers Associations. The data was entered and analysed using SPSS statistical software. Descriptive statistics was used to establish how adoption of Prosopis enterprises is contributing to: reducing invasion, livelihoods and income. Findings indicated that all sampled respondents are involved in Prosopis charcoal production as the major enterprise; while 54% deal in fencing and construction poles, 54% pods, 48% honey, 44% firewood 41% and 35% timber. Incomes from charcoal were about Ksh 93.7 million in 2016. Earnings per annum from other Prosopis products namely pods, fencing/construction poles and honey totalled Ksh 12.2 million accounting for 12.9% of the total earnings. Prosopis charcoal market is dominated by brokers. Lack of reliable market (39.3%), price fluctuation (27.1%), poor state of roads during rainy season (9.3%) and exploitation by middlemen were the main challenges experienced in marketing Prosopis products. From the study adoption and utilisation of Prosopis products is contributing significantly to livelihoods and income. However utilization of the species has not reduced its invasiveness.

Keywords: Charcoal, Desertification, livelihoods, invasive species, Prosopis juliflora

DOI: 10.7176/JESD/10-10-09

Publication date:May 31^st 2019