CAMPAIGN GREEN COUNTY, MADARAKA DAY, 2015 AND BEYOND:

CAMPAIGN GREEN COUNTY, MADARAKA DAY, 2015 AND BEYOND:

DAY 4: ERADICATION OF PROSOPIS JULIFLORA AND RE-PLANTING:

Our volunteer teams would like to react to the negative impacts caused by the growing Prosopis juliflora in our environment. 

Various Prosopis species have been introduced to Africa over the past 190 years for their beneficial qualities which include erosion control, shade, fuel wood, building materials, and pods for animal and human consumption in arid and semi-arid regions. The fact that there are clear economic uses to this species but severe negative consequences of Prosopis Juliflora invasion makes this conflict of interest species.

Environmental Hazard
Prosopis Juliflora, locally known in Somali as (Ali Garoob), can be a very aggressive invader and replaces native vegetation and takes over range-lands. Negative effects include complete loss of pasture and range-lands for both domestic and losses due to access to water, illness and death of livestock due to eating. Other impacts are loss of cropland, the costs of repairing tyres punctured or destroyed by thorns, and doctor's bills for treating thorn wounds. Prospisb Juliflora can block irrigation channels, obstruct roads and block smaller trails completely affecting access to pasture, croplands, water sources and fishing areas.

We appeal to the wider community, in the region, to collectively, clear Prospis Juliflora along the streets, residential homestead and obstructed lanes. Prosopis Juliflora, will not only affect people's livelihoods but also key sectors of the economy. It is evident that Kenya's vast arid and semi-arid lands up-to 80% of land area are at risk and the longer the wait, the more difficult it will be to control or eradicate the species.

Consequently, to protect public health, urban ecosystems and groundwater depletion, it is proposed that the tree should be eradicated and replaced with more appropriate species for the urban environment such as the multipurpose shade tree Azadiracta indica (Neem tree).

NGBM team is welcoming and encouraging every household, to join their hands in elimination process of the species from homesteads and their surroundings on voluntary basis, in return, we shall provide two seedlings to each volunteer, to plant in the neighborhoods, so as to replace the destructive activities of Prosopis Juliflora.

Nomad green belt movement teams wishes to thank you for your support and a Happy Madaraka Day 2015 Achievement!

Activity date: 1st June 2015