Maiyanat Community Tackles Cactus Invasion with Innovative Solutions
LAIKIPIA NORTH—In the arid terrains of Laikipia North, the Maiyanat Community is facing a significant ecological challenge due to the spread of the invasive cactus opuntia. While the plant diminishes grazing land for livestock, local women are finding economic opportunities in its removal.
According to Kenya News Agency, Vice Chairperson of the Maiyanat Community Land, over 60 percent of their territory is afflicted by this invasive species, prompting community-driven strategies for its management and eradication. Efforts are supported by international partners, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which aids in both natural and biological control measures to combat the cactus spread.
The initiative employs local women to manually uproot the cactus, providing them with an income of Sh500 per day, a vital financial boost for many in the community. This endeavor not only aids in land restoration but also contributes to soil conservation and grass planting, essential for the community’s livestock-dependent livelihood.
Nkuyai Lemale, a participant in the uprooting program, highlighted the dual benefits of the initiative, offering both environmental rehabilitation and economic empowerment for the women involved. However, she also noted the physical risks associated with handling the thorny plant, including potential injuries and the adverse effects on livestock health.
Community Land Manager Yoakim Kuraru emphasized the severity of the opuntia’s impact, with a substantial portion of their land rendered unusable and detrimental effects on animal welfare. The community’s proactive response includes designating an ‘Opuntia day’ each month for collective removal efforts, although challenges persist due to wildlife propagation of the plant.
Husna Mbarak from the FAO discussed the broader context, recognizing the cactus’s harmful and beneficial aspects. Innovative approaches are being explored to convert the opuntia into useful products, such as animal fodder and organic manure, illustrating a holistic view of dealing with invasive species.
Additionally, the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) has developed a technological tool to assist in tracking and managing the spread of opuntia. This application is instrumental in guiding targeted interventions across affected regions.
As the Maiyanat Community continues to address this ecological dilemma, their efforts underscore a model of resilience and adaptability, turning an invasive threat into opportunities for sustainable development and community empowerment.