Review on the Impact of Invasive Alien Weed Tree Distributed in Afar Regional State and Some Parts of Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Prosopis juliflora belongs to fabaceae family, growing to height of 12 meters and 1.2 meter  trunk diameter. It is native to Caribbean, South and Central America. Currently, distributed to Africa, where it invades over four million hectares, threatening crops and range land production, desiccating water resources and displacing native flora and fauna. In Ethiopia, it is one of the most invasive alien species causing economic and environmental harm. Specifically, it invaded Afar, Somali and Oromia regions more to the east and southeast direction of the country. Regardless of its negative effects, the tree has potential uses as fuel, charcoal, fodder, gum, food, ethanol source, biochar, biocontrol, windbreaks, shade, soil stabilization, construction and furniture materials. Therefore, this paper reviewed the impacts, merits, demerits and management aspects of prosopis. Thus, many scholars reported that there are high impacts of prosopis on agricultural production and productivity, biodiversity especially on local flora and fauna, livestock’s healths and the livelihoods of pastorals. Alarmingly increment of  prosopis invasion covers 3, 60500 (3.8%) in Afar region and 12,000 hectares in Dire Dawa administration. Due to its fast growing habit, rapid multiplicative and vigorous coppicing ability, it is extremely invading arid and semiarid area of the country. Eventhough, weak awareness of pastorals and agropastorals, manually controlling practices, cost-benefit they gain were reported to discouraging them from controlling.  If not strategic controlling managements is taken 50% land of Ethiopia was reported to be suitable for prosopis infestation. Thus, participation of government and/or non-government in community mobilization, technology transfer, private sector, and supply of resources are critical to manage. Finally, there should be an urgent need to develop management strategies that are environmentally friend and economically viable.

Keywords: alien, crop, Dire Dawa,  fabaceae, pastorals, prosopis

DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/10-8-01

Publication date: April 30^th 2020