Kenya warns Mathenge and other invasive plants threaten dryland livelihoods
A Kenyan forestry scientist told a COP31 side event in Antalya, Turkey, that Mathenge has spread to 23 of 47 counties. She said invasive plants are cutting pasture, blocking livestock and making water harder to reach.
Kenya has told the COP31 talks in Turkey that invasive plants are eating into the drylands that feed its herders. Dr Margaret Kaigongi, a Senior Research Scientist at the State Department for Forestry, spoke at a side event during the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) in Antalya, Citizen Digital reported. She said invasive species are changing dryland ecosystems and making rangelands less productive. She named three main threats: Prosopis juliflora, known locally as Mathenge, Lantana camara and Opuntia species. Mathenge now covers 23 of Kenya's 47 counties, including Baringo, Turkana, Isiolo, Garissa and Tana River. It was first brought in to help rehabilitate land and provide fuelwood. It has since spread out of control, pushing out indigenous plants and shrinking pasture. It also blocks livestock movement and makes it harder for communities to reach water. Kaigongi said these plants put extra pressure on communities whose livelihoods depend on healthy landscapes. She added that Kenya is not alone. Namibia, she said, had also shared how it is responding to bush encroachment, and countries could learn from…
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