dc.description.abstract | Abstract: Prosopis juliflora is a shrub/tree originating from the Americas. Since its introduction for fuel
wood afforestation into eastern Africa, it has been invading crop- and rangelands with negative effects
on the environment and on livelihoods. Understanding the management strategies for Prosopis and
matching them with ecological, social-cultural, and economic needs of the eastern African region is a
pressing scientific issue. We analyzed management strategies of Prosopis, focusing on determinants
and drivers of their choice of applied management strategies as well as their effectiveness. We
identified 1917 scientific contributions published between 1970 and 2022. Following a multi-step
screening, we reduced the references to 53 relevant (internationally) published papers with a focus
on the management of Prosopis in the east African region. Analysis of the literature shows that
factors driving invasion dynamics but also land users’ social-economic as well as cultural attributes
determine the type of management strategy and shape local control actions. Main strategies comprise
(1) physical containment of invasive spread, (2) chemical, mechanical and biological approaches to
reduce stand densities, (3) complete eradication, (4) restoration of invaded land, and (5) economic
use of Prosopis products. Adopted strategies are based on actual and perceived impacts of invasion,
and the adoption and success of individual strategies is highly location specific. | en_US |