Integrated Impact Assessment of Mesquite on Livelihoods in Kenya

Is Prosopis juliflora a blessing or a curse? An integrated impact assessment of Prosopis juliflora on the livelihood of the Bura-Tana community in Kenya. There has been a lot of debates from different stakeholders within the country (Kenya) and outside the country where invasion of Prosopis juliflora has caused a menace. In Baringo-Kenya the issue was reported to the Kenya High Court causing a concern from different stakeholders. This research study was carried out in Bura-Tana to find out the impacts of the species on the livelihood of the community and also to determine their perception on the species. The research study reveals a lot of information regarding the impacts the species, as to whether it is a curse or blessing to the community. The community in this area practice both pastoralism as well as sedentary farming as opposed to the Baringo community where there was public outcry regarding the negative impacts of the species. This research study was intended to find out the impacts caused by Prosopis juliflora with a view to suggest recommendations to mitigate the negative impacts.