Thread by @kenyangeography

Prosopis juliflora or Mathenge is an exotic drought-resistant tree of American origin that has been widely used for afforestation in Northern Kenya.

A thread on how the aggressive tree species has proved destructive to the pastoralist economy.

The trees have pods that are eaten by livestock and spread over large areas where they quickly grow. The deep tap roots of Mathenge trees ensures the trees stay evergreen once they take root.

The tree particularly thrives along water sources such as rivers banks & flood plains.

The trees colonize whole areas forming thick, impenetrable bushes that restrict access to grazing land and water sources.

Small animals like goats and sheep frequently get lost in the thickets to be devoured by wild animals.

The prosopis species is said to deform the teeth of camels and donkeys. Pastoralists have suffered losses from their animals eating the plants.

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The Mathenge tree chokes out indigenous tree species due to their deep tap roots & fast growing nature. Their seeds are tough and are easily disseminated by animals.

Once they take root, there is little that a community can do to control its spread.

(Mathenge at Olorgesaile)

Some have resorted to burning charcoal from the quickly-regenerating trees.

While there may be benefits to having the trees, the overall impact is alot more negative especially in arid and semi-arid areas where the trees thrive.

End.