Transcript ENHANCED LIVELIHOODS IN THE MANDERA TRIAGLE (ELMT) PROJECT

CARE SOMALIA
Prosopis Utilization & Control
Workshop
15th -16th December08
Panafric Hotel
NAIROBI-KENYA
The context
ELMT project in Somalia works in two regions,
Lower Juba & Gedo
In Gedo region, the project works in the districts of
Dolow-Somalia, Belet/hawa, Lugh and Bardere
districts.
Northern Gedo comprising the districts of Lugh,
Dolow and Belet/hawa is endowed with two rivers,
Juba and Dawa. These rivers flow from the
Ethiopia highlands
Juba river flows throughout the year while Dawa
river flows for 9 months. These rivers are the main
source of water for both human and livestock
Irrigated agriculture is practiced along these rivers.
Prosopis the problem
Prosopis tree was introduced to the area in early
1980’s as an agro-forestry species in response to
the impact of the large number of refugees in the
region (Lugh district).
The tree has since spread very fast to the rest of
the districts.
In Dolow, Lugh and Belet/hawa districts the tree is
invading the towns and riverine areas making
access to the river difficult in some areas.
The two rivers are key resources for the region
supporting irrigated agriculture and useful dry
season grazing areas for livestock But this is now
under threat from the prosopis tree.
The tree has invaded about 100 km of riverine
land from Belet/hawa to Lugh - this has an
implication for the local community livelihoods.
Prosopis the problem cont’d
in Some areas the tree is even going into the river bed.
There is a fear that this can lead to the diversion of the river
course.
Prosopis pods which are not preferred by goats, cattle,
camel but donkeys seem to prefer the pods.
The leaves are not eaten- so less value in terms of browse
species.
It suppresses other forms of plant growth under its canopy
thereby reducing grazing potential in vital areas.
It forms dense impenetrable thicket and has blocked or is
blocking many access roads
It has very sharp, strong and poisonous thorns that is a big
problem to livestock and humans. It also causes many tyre
punctures – vehicles, donkey carts. It’s a big problem to
children.
Utilization of the prosopis tree
People have started to burn charcoal from the tree but since
the plants forms a dense thicket its difficult to penetrate it.
Also its sharp and poisonous thorn keeps people away
Used as a building material on a limited scale mainly
because the prosopis grows as a thicket with many branches
and weak stems.
Goats and Donkeys eat the pods during the dry spell but
unlike Acacia pods goats consume small quantities of the
pods even during the dry season.
In Lugh district, where the tree was first introduced, the local
community say it has stabilized the soil and stopped dust
ridden wind that use to be a big problem for the town.
But the community feels that its negative impacts far
exceeds its benefits.