The Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) has launched a groundbreaking Ksh 30 million project aimed at the sustainable management of Prosopis juliflora in Turkana West. Funded by the International Labour Organization (ILO), this initiative seeks to harness climate-smart technologies and leverage the invasive species as an economic asset to improve livelihoods and create green jobs in the region. With a focus on areas such as Kakuma, Kalobeyei, Songot, Nanam, Letea, Pelekech, and Lopur, the project is set to be implemented over one year, targeting local communities and aiming for a transformative impact.
Harnessing Climate-Smart Solutions for Sustainable Management
Prosopis juliflora, often seen as a problematic invasive species in East Africa, is characterized by its rapid spread and the encroachment on grazing lands and farmland, which has led to social and economic challenges. However, KEFRI’s new project turns this challenge into an opportunity by transforming the invasive species into valuable products and resources. One of the key strategies involves the carbonization of Prosopis into briquettes and biochar for energy production, which not only provides a sustainable alternative to charcoal but also reduces the environmental impact associated with its burning. The project will also focus on establishing charcoal value chains, offering an economic pathway for the local communities to benefit from sustainable forestry practices.
Patrick Mwirigi, KEFRI Assistant Director for the Turkana Region, emphasized that the project’s success lies in its ability to empower communities through research and knowledge transfer. “Through research, the project will empower communities to produce high-value animal feed from Prosopis pods and twigs for commercialization, enhancing their economic well-being,” Mwirigi said. By producing high-value animal feed, the initiative will not only diversify the local economy but also improve food security in Turkana West, where agriculture is often limited due to climatic conditions.
A critical component of the project is the establishment of a Prosopis Training and Incubation Centre in Turkana, aimed at building entrepreneurial capacity among the local population. In partnership with the Turkana County Government, Kenya Forest Service, and business stakeholders, KEFRI intends to shift perceptions of Prosopis from an invasive nuisance to a valuable economic resource. This state-of-the-art facility will provide training on various Prosopis-derived products, including soap, body cream, candles, and beauty products, exploring the medicinal benefits of byproducts like wax and honey. The Kakuma Bee Group, made up of members from host and refugee communities, has already begun training on these diversified value chains, highlighting the economic potential of Prosopis and its byproducts.
Job Creation and Economic Empowerment
The project adopts an Employment Intensive Investment Approach (EIIP) to create 1,040 green jobs and directly benefit approximately 8,000 households in the region. By tapping into Prosopis’ potential, KEFRI aims to mitigate its risks while maximizing its benefits. The economic benefits of the project are already evident research indicates that communities in Turkana generate up to Ksh 45 million annually from activities such as charcoal and pole sales. With environmentally friendly alternatives like briquette production, these figures are expected to grow further, offering a sustainable source of income for local communities.
The dual focus on economic empowerment and environmental sustainability is at the core of the project. The role of Prosopis juliflora in apiculture was also highlighted, with members of the Kakuma Bee Group acknowledging its value as a critical forage source for bees. The initiative aims to expand beyond honey production into ventures that promise better incomes and more job opportunities. Joan Kibet, KEFRI Research Scientist, emphasized the untapped economic potential of Prosopis despite its invasive nature. “While Prosopis presents challenges, its opportunities in beekeeping, energy production, and other sectors are immense,” Kibet noted.
The project represents a paradigm shift in managing Prosopis juliflora, transforming it from an ecological menace into a catalyst for economic growth and environmental sustainability. By adopting innovative approaches, such as the production of high-value animal feed and diversified products, KEFRI is paving the way for local communities to not only survive but thrive. The project’s success will rely on ongoing research, knowledge sharing, and community engagement, all underpinned by the partnership with the ILO and other stakeholders.
KEFRI’s project in Turkana is setting a precedent for sustainable land management and economic development in arid and semi-arid regions across Kenya. As the project progresses, it is expected to serve as a model for how communities can turn invasive species into valuable economic assets, enhancing livelihoods and promoting environmental stewardship in the process. Through this innovative approach, KEFRI and its partners are not just managing Prosopis juliflora; they are creating a blueprint for sustainable development in regions affected by climate change and ecological degradation.
