By: Oscar Koech
At the University of Nairobi’s Faculty of Agriculture, a dedicated team has been working tirelessly to address a long-standing challenge: the invasive Prosopis juliflora tree. Once seen as a menace to pastoral livelihoods, the tree has proven to be more than just a threat. Through innovative research, the team is turning this invasive species into a potential cash crop with exciting new uses in feed, food fortifications, and even wine production.
For years, Prosopis juliflora has overtaken grazing lands, disrupting the livelihoods of pastoral communities. But now, with a vision for sustainable management, this once-problematic resource is being transformed into an economic asset. The team’s innovative efforts have created new opportunities for communities affected by the tree, offering solutions that could benefit local economies and improve food security.
This is the realization of a long-held dream: seeing a destructive force turned into a valuable resource for the very people it once harmed. The future of Prosopis juliflora is no longer one of menace but of opportunity, and the University of Nairobi is at the forefront of this transformative journey.
