An assessment of the capacity and responsiveness of a national system to address the threat of invasive species: a systems approach

F Williams,R Day,A A Ali,I Rwomushana,G Muthike,E K Lingeera,J Godwin,T W Karanja,S Kibet,K L Constantine

doi:10.1186/s43170-021-00062-7

Abstract

BackgroundInvasive species affect the social, economic and health aspects of many farmers and are known to cause major losses with considerable costs spent on management. Several international agreements recognise the threat caused by invasive species which signatories have an obligation to manage. This paper sets out a framework and method for assessing the performance and responsiveness of a country’s invasive species system. The objective is to engage with key actors within an invasive species system using a participatory approach to determine the strengths, weaknesses and functioning of the invasive species system. The aim is to understand the system as it currently stands and to identify opportunities and challenges from various actor’s perspectives.MethodThe first step was to define an invasive species system and its component parts including the functions, expected outputs and contextual factors. A range of indicators and participatory tools were developed to measure system performance. The process includes a desk review, stakeholder workshop and key informant interviews. The approach was piloted in Kenya.ResultsActors who are active in managing invasive species were identified and engaged. The assessment process provided insights into the current functioning of the invasive species system. A number of key challenges were identified, for instance, the lack of finance, governance and leadership, as major barriers to effective system performance, alongside the lack of a central coordinating body to guide invasive species management.ConclusionThe systems approach developed helped in facilitating the engagement of key actors within a country’s invasive species system. The actors performed a self-assessment of the current system status and determined what is required to move towards more effective management of invasive species. Participants responded positively to the framework and process developed, which contributed to developing ownership and clear steps forward towards a more pro-active, rather than reactive, approach in the management of invasive species.

Highlights

Invasive species affect the social, economic and health aspects of many farmers and are known to cause major losses with considerable costs spent on management
The actors performed a self-assessment of the current system status and determined what is required to move towards more effective management of invasive species
Components of an invasive species system Based on the components described in the literature for other systems (Danielsen and Matsiko 2016; International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) 2000, 2018; Williams et al 2015; Wittenberg and Cock 2001), we identified a number of key components and functions important in an invasive species system

Summary

Introduction

Invasive species affect the social, economic and health aspects of many farmers and are known to cause major losses with considerable costs spent on management. Several international agreements recognise the threat caused by invasive species which signatories have an obligation to manage. Invasive alien species (IAS) are species that, with human assistance, arrive in a new area and cause damage to crops, livestock production and other economic activities; human health; and the environment. Parties to the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) agree in Article 8 (h) to “prevent the introduction of, control or eradicate those alien species which threaten ecosystems, habitats or species” (UNEP 2002). Target 9 states that ‘By 2020, invasive alien species and pathways are identified and prioritised, priority species are controlled or eradicated, and measures are in place to manage pathways to prevent their introduction and establishment’ (CBD 2010). Signatories have a responsibility to manage invasive species through their eradication, and management of introduction pathways: countries need the necessary capacity and effective control structures in place

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Conclusion