KEFRI, Turkana county launch initiative to manage, utilize invasive Mathenge trees

In collaboration with the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), the Turkana County government has launched a campaign to control, manage, and sustainably utilize the invasive Prosopis Juliflora plant, commonly known as Mathenge.

This initiative responds to the ongoing environmental and livelihood devastation caused by the fast-spreading species, which was introduced to the county in 1979 to combat desertification and provide fuel.

The aggressive colonization by Mathenge has led to the loss of farmlands and pastures, impoverishing agro-pastoral communities, altering river flows, and sparking resource-based conflicts that have resulted in the loss of lives and property.

Through the Directorate of Natural Resources, the county is keen on full restoration of invaded agricultural land which is estimated to cost Sh30 million according to County Environment Executive Audan Leah Lokala.

Audan said there was an urgent need to manage the species to protect residents against food insecurity, water scarcity, and loss of livelihoods.

Turkana West rangelands, Turkwel, and Kerio riverine areas are among the most affected areas in the county.

"We are keen on coming up with sustainable ways of managing and stemming the spread of the species which continues to threaten livelihoods," she said.

Other partners in the initiative are Kenya Forestry Service and the International Labour Organisation.

A proposal for the county to utilize an existing KEFRI draft plan on the value addition of Mathenge trees was also made.

KEFRI Head of Socio-Economics, Policy, and Governance at KEFRI, Dr Joram Kagombe said there was a need to help residents tap into the nutritional value of the species.

Turkana is among the more than 20 counties grappling with the Mathenge tree menace. Other counties include Samburu, Kilifi, Kajiado, Isiolo, Wajir, Marsabit, Migori, Taita Taveta and Marsabit.

Mathenge tree thorns are poisonous and cause livestock deaths when fed on by the animals while its pods make animal teeth decay and fall off.

Experts say the pods if grounded and mixed with maize cobs, could prevent the animals from losing or breaking their teeth.

The officials spoke during a consultative meeting at the farmer's resource centre attended by members of the public, community leaders and professionals.