Research unveils economic value of invasive 'mathenge' shrub

A study on the invasive shrub Prosopis juliflora, locally known as “mathenge,” has identified several potential benefits of the plant while warning that its uncontrolled spread is posing growing threats to communities and ecosystems in northern Kenya.

The research, funded by VSF Suisse and undertaken by the University of Nairobi, examined ways of utilising the plant as part of efforts to turn the invasive species from a challenge into an opportunity for pastoralist communities.

Among the positive findings is that Prosopis pods are rich in protein and can be used to make livestock feed supplements, particularly during drought when pasture and other animal feeds become scarce.

The study also found that the stems and branches can be used to produce charcoal and briquettes, while the woody parts can provide posts for construction.

The findings were shared during a training of livestock and environment officers from Isiolo and Samburu counties. The officers were trained on how to maximise the use of the entire plant while controlling its spread and supporting the restoration of indigenous grasses that have been displaced by Prosopis.

The training comes amid concerns that uncontrolled spread of the invasive plant could negatively affect grazing areas, settlements and indigenous vegetation. Researchers cited areas such as Marti and Korpesa as places that could face serious consequences if the spread is not contained. Mlanda Noor Primary School was also cited as an example of an institution reportedly affected by the spread of the plant.

Isaiah Epuri, a livestock chief officer from the Isiolo County Government, commended VSF Suisse for its continued support to pastoralist communities through impact-based training and material assistance aimed at building resilience.

“It is high time residents were empowered to utilise this invasive plant in positive and environmentally friendly ways. Livestock remains a key livelihood for our communities, and we must find ways of turning challenges such as Prosopis into opportunities.”

Epuri said the knowledge gained during the training would help officers educate communities on the safe and productive utilisation of the plant.

John Jamaica, an environment officer from the Samburu County Government, welcomed the research findings, particularly the potential use of Prosopis pods as livestock feed.

“At a time when Kenya is experiencing shortages of livestock feeds, Prosopis pods can be of great use if they are properly collected, processed and stored for feed production.”

Jamaica said the findings could help communities make better use of a plant that has continued to spread across parts of the northern Kenya rangelands.

Deputy County Livestock Production Officer Camillala Mohamed expressed optimism that the trained officers would pass the knowledge to farmers and pastoralists in Isiolo and Samburu counties.

“The officers who have undergone this training will be able to train farmers on the best ways of utilising Prosopis. The pods can be mixed with natural grass from the rangelands and other suitable supplements available in local markets to make livestock feed.”

The training also covered charcoal briquette production. Engineer James Kamau demonstrated how Prosopis wood can be carbonised and processed into briquettes.

The carbonisation process is aimed at producing charcoal that can be used in briquette production while minimising harmful emissions.

Dr Douglas Machuch of VSF Suisse and UoN's researcher Professor Charles Gachuiri urged the officers to use the knowledge gained to empower farmers and the wider public on the best uses of the plant.

They encouraged communities to look beyond the challenges posed by Prosopis and identify practical ways of utilising its pods, stems, leaves and other parts while protecting the environment.

“The message is not simply to tolerate the spread of Prosopis, but to ensure that communities understand how the plant can be utilised while efforts continue to control its invasion and restore indigenous vegetation,” they emphasised.

The initiative seeks to combine control of the invasive plant with restoration of indigenous vegetation, helping northern Kenya communities improve livestock production and build resilience to drought.