TURKANA: The Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), in collaboration with the Turkana County Government, has launched a Sh30 million initiative aimed at transforming the invasive Prosopis juliflora, commonly known as ‘mathenge,’ into a valuable economic resource. The project, funded by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), seeks to create green jobs and enhance livelihoods in Turkana West through sustainable management practices.
According to Kenya News Agency, the year-long project targets several areas including Kakuma, Kalobeyei, Songot, Nanam, Letea, Pelekech, and Lopur. It focuses on utilizing climate-smart technologies to convert the invasive species into an economic asset, with activities such as carbonisation for briquette and biochar production, as well as developing charcoal value chains. The project also plans to produce high-value animal feed from Prosopis pods and twigs, supporting community-led initiatives for commercialisation and economic empowerment.
Patrick Mwirigi, KEFRI Assistant Director for the Turkana Region, emphasized the importance of research and knowledge transfer for the project’s success. A Prosopis Training and Incubation Centre will be established to build entrepreneurial capacity, aiming to shift negative perceptions of the invasive plant and unlock its economic potential. The project follows an Employment Intensive Investment Approach (EIIP) to create 1,040 green jobs, benefiting approximately 8,000 households in the region.
As part of the initiative’s launch, 30 members of the Kakuma Bee Group, which includes both host and refugee communities, were trained on diversified Prosopis value chains. This training covered the production of soap, body creams, candles, and beauty products, as well as exploring the medicinal benefits of Prosopis byproducts such as wax and honey. Mwirigi highlighted the economic opportunities already realized through Prosopis utilization, noting that communities generate up to Sh45 million annually from activities like charcoal and pole sales.
The project underscores the dual focus of economic growth and sustainability, advocating for control, sustainable management, and utilization of Prosopis to mitigate its risks while maximizing its benefits. Prosopis juliflora’s role in apiculture was also noted, with the Kakuma Bee Group recognizing its importance as forage for bees, offering potential for expanded ventures beyond honey production.
Despite Prosopis juliflora’s invasive nature and its challenges, such as encroachment on grazing lands and arable fields, KEFRI Research Scientist Joan Kibet highlighted the untapped potential in beekeeping, energy production, and other sectors. The project aims to shift perspectives and practices, transforming Prosopis juliflora from a local menace into a driver of economic growth and environmental sustainability.