CARE SOMALIA Prosopis Utilization & Control Workshop 15th -16 th December08 Panafric Hotel NAIROBI-KENYA

The context ELMT project in Somalia works in two regions, Lower Juba & Gedo In Gedo region, the project works in the districts of Dolow-Somalia, Belet/hawa, Lugh and Bardere districts. Northern Gedo comprising the districts of Lugh, Dolow and Belet/hawa is endowed with two rivers, Juba and Dawa. These rivers flow from the Ethiopia highlands Juba river flows throughout the year while Dawa river flows for 9 months. These rivers are the main source of water for both human and livestock Irrigated agriculture is practiced along these rivers.

Prosopis the problem Prosopis tree was introduced to the area in early 1980’s as an agro-forestry species in response to the impact of the large number of refugees in the region (Lugh district). The tree has since spread very fast to the rest of the districts. In Dolow, Lugh and Belet/hawa districts the tree is invading the towns and riverine areas making access to the river difficult in some areas. The two rivers are key resources for the region supporting irrigated agriculture and useful dry season grazing areas for livestock But this is now under threat from the prosopis tree. The tree has invaded about 100 km of riverine land from Belet/hawa to Lugh - this has an implication for the local community livelihoods.

Prosopis the problem cont’d in Some areas the tree is even going into the river bed. There is a fear that this can lead to the diversion of the river course. Prosopis pods which are not preferred by goats, cattle, camel but donkeys seem to prefer the pods. The leaves are not eaten- so less value in terms of browse species. It suppresses other forms of plant growth under its canopy thereby reducing grazing potential in vital areas. It forms dense impenetrable thicket and has blocked or is blocking many access roads It has very sharp, strong and poisonous thorns that is a big problem to livestock and humans. It also causes many tyre punctures – vehicles, donkey carts. It’s a big problem to children.

Utilization of the prosopis tree People have started to burn charcoal from the tree but since the plants forms a dense thicket its difficult to penetrate it. Also its sharp and poisonous thorn keeps people away Used as a building material on a limited scale mainly because the prosopis grows as a thicket with many branches and weak stems. Goats and Donkeys eat the pods during the dry spell but unlike Acacia pods goats consume small quantities of the pods even during the dry season. In Lugh district, where the tree was first introduced, the local community say it has stabilized the soil and stopped dust ridden wind that use to be a big problem for the town. But the community feels that its negative impacts far exceeds its benefits.