<i>Prosopis</i> L. Invasion in the South-Western Region of Botswana: The Perceptions of Rural Communities and Management Options

Abstract

This study was aimed to determine the extent to which Prosopis species had invaded four settlements (Bokspits, Rappelspan, Vaalhoek and Struizendam) located in the Kgalagadi Desert south west of Botswana, investigate the perceptions of the communities about the existence of the species in their environment and assess possible control options for the spread of Prosopis plants in the area. Prosopis plants were sampled in 42 quadrats of 625 m 2 along a 70 km Prosopis invasion gradient from Struizendam to Rappelspan. Using the Global Positioning System (GPS), the locations of all quadrats were established. The distribution map of Prosopis plants was produced using ArcGIS 9.2 (ESRI Inc.). Questionnaire survey and focused group discussions were used to collect data on the perceptions of rural communities about the species. A total of 342 respondents comprising 139 males and 203 females were interviewed, and four focussed group discussions were conducted. The results indicated that the invasion of Prosopis species was prominent in and around settlements suggesting that anthropogenic activities had a significant role in the spread of Prosopis plants in the area. The perceptions of rural communities about Prosopis plants appeared to be moulded by the impacts of the plants on their livelihoods as well as their micro-economic status. The respondents (71.30%) expressed the view that the invasion of Prosopis species negatively affected the livelihoods of the communities in the study area. They identified eradication as the preferred method of controlling the spread of Prosopis plants. On the contrary, this study recommended the integrated environmental management paradigm as the best options for the control of the spread of Prosopis plants in the area.

Explaining people's perceptions of invasive alien species: A conceptual framework

“…For example, in a number of countries, options for managing invasive Prosopis have been limited as past literature and many political stances viewed the tree as having primarily beneficial effects and assumed people perceived the tree in a positive light. However, more recent research in different countries has shown that many people actually perceive this invasive tree a serious threat and would support management to reduce its negative effects (Mwangi and Swallow, 2008;Mosweu et al, 2013;Shackleton et al, 2015;Duenn et al, 2017). For example, in South Africa this new evidence of negative impacts and perceptions justifies doing research into the release of more effective biological control agents which were previously limited (Shackleton et al, 2015).…”

Management Strategies of Prosopis juliflora in Eastern Africa: What Works Where?

“…Intoxication after Prosopis consumption can reportedly cause the fatal nervous disease Denervation atrophy in animals in Brazil [55] and Ethiopia [56]. With ingestion of high amounts of Prosopis pods, livestock deaths were reported in Botswana [57]. Further, the plant invades grass-and shrub lands, leading to shortage of livestock feed resources as reported from India [58], Ethiopia [59], and Kenya [45].…”

Invasive Mesquite (Prosopis juliflora), an Allergy and Health Challenge

“…The seeds and their hard coating are not broken down well during digestion, and if too many pods are eaten they result in blockages and constipation. In Botswana there are reports of death of livestock after eating Prosopis most likely due to digestive tract issues [84].…”