Kajiado County, located in Kenya’s semi-arid region, is grappling with a serious ecological threat: the aggressive spread of the invasive Ipomoea weed. This weed, which has overtaken vast swathes of grazing fields, has devastated livestock farming, which is the main livelihood for many residents. The local government, through the Department of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, has launched a community-driven initiative to combat the spread of this invasive plant and restore the county’s vital pasturelands.
Michael Semera, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, spearheaded the campaign during its launch in Matapato South. He explained that Ipomoea was declared a county disaster in 2023 by Governor Joseph Ole Lenku due to its destructive impact on grazing fields. “This weed has occupied huge acres of grazing fields and brought immense losses to livestock farmers as no pasture grows under it,” Semera said, underlining the severity of the issue.
The invasive weed, known locally as Oltiameleteti, has spread uncontrollably since it was first identified in Kenya during the El Niño rains of 1997. Over the years, it has rapidly expanded across Kajiado County, covering an estimated three million acres. This unchecked growth has left large areas barren, where no grass or other vegetation can grow, leaving herders with few grazing options for their livestock. As a result, many residents have been forced to migrate in search of greener pastures, even moving to regions that have recently received rainfall.
In response, the county has launched a comprehensive sensitization campaign targeting the heavily infested areas of Matapato North, Matapato South, and Imaroro in Kajiado East. These regions have borne the brunt of the weed’s spread, making the fight against its proliferation urgent. Semera emphasized the importance of action in these areas, noting that the weed’s ability to suppress the growth of grasses and other vegetation threatens the livelihoods of many families. He called on local farmers to actively participate in the eradication efforts by uprooting the plant, particularly during the rainy season when it is easier to remove.
The county’s strategy involves grassroots mobilization, with ten community groups, each consisting of 100 members, formed to raise awareness and organize local efforts. These groups are tasked with educating residents on how to identify, uproot, and safely dispose of the invasive plant. Additionally, the campaign is supported by the World Bank-funded Financing Locally-Led Climate Action Program, which aims to help affected communities restore their land through the reintroduction of high-quality pasture species.
A key component of the initiative is the establishment of demonstration sites on 30 acres of land in Imaroro and Matapato. These sites will serve as model areas for land restoration, where local communities will work with technical officers to clear the weeds and restore pastureland. The local farmers will receive training on best practices for land management, including methods for regenerating pasture and improving soil health.
To further support these restoration efforts, agricultural officers distributed grass seeds to local farmers. These seeds will help rejuvenate the land by introducing nutritious pasture species that can thrive in the region’s arid conditions. By investing in these long-term restoration practices, the county hopes to not only eradicate the invasive weed but also improve the overall productivity and sustainability of its grazing fields.
In conclusion, the launch of this community campaign marks a significant step in Kajiado County’s efforts to tackle the devastating impact of Ipomoea. Through collective action and education, local residents are taking the lead in restoring their environment and safeguarding their livelihoods. If successful, this initiative could serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges with invasive species.
As Semera aptly stated, “The only solution is to uproot it. We are calling upon all farmers to uproot it on their farms so that we can protect the environment and save our livelihoods.” With continued support from both local communities and external partners, Kajiado County hopes to reverse the damage caused by the invasive Ipomoea and restore its grazing lands for future generations.
