Thr Prosopis dilemma, impacts on dryland biodiversity and some controlling methods

A study on the impact of Prosopis juliflora, a multipurpose leguminous species introduced to Ethiopia, was carried out at Tendaho State farm, Alidegi and Afambo, North-east Ethiopia. The study focused on the assessment of the uses and negative impacts of Prosopis and the evaluation of mechanical control and prescribed burning. Various PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal) techniques were employed to collect ethno-botanical information on uses of the species. Mechanical control was evaluated by observation of previously cleared (deforested) grazing areas and farms in Alidegi and Tendaho, respectively. Data on number of stems per plant were collected along two parallel line transects to investigate the coppicing ability of the species. Prescribed burning was evaluated for mature stands (3-4 yrs) and young stands (< 1.5 yr). The result showed that Prosopis is employed for firewood, charcoal, forage, fencing, windbreak and other purposes. Mechanical control (manual clearance and using bulldozers) was found to be effective followed by proper management systems. Besides, it was discovered that the number of stems from the stumped stands was significantly higher (P < 0.05). Prescribed burning was destructive for young stands, whereas mature stands were not killed. Generally, cutting individual plants may aggravate the invasion by Prosopis unless proper management such as repeated clearance is employed. Thus, proper management and control of the species is urgent using the control methods described above in cooperation with the local people. Otherwise, more areas could be invaded and tribal conflict for the remaining few grazing and farrm areas free from Prosopis may turn into unexpected political crisis.