THE INFLUENCE OF PROSOPIS JULIFLORA ON FARMLAND AND RANGELAND IN BALADWEYNE, HIRAN-SOMALIA

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of Prosopis juliflora on farmland and rangeland in Beledweyne-Hiran, Somalia. The objectives of this study were; To examine the influence of Prosopis juliflora on the plant species biodiversity on farmlands and rangelands. To identify the effect of Prosopis juliflora on pasture and agriculture productivity on rangeland and farmlands, to investigate the Causes of the invasion and displacement of Prosopis juliflora on farmlands and rangelands, This study adopted a quantitative research design, particularly a descriptive design. Structured questionnaires were conducted with 80 participants. Our analysis showed that Prosopis juliflora negatively influences farmland and rangeland in Beledweyne. A higher proportion of the respondents (80%) agreed that Prosopis juliflora outcompetes native plant species for resources such as light, water, and nutrients, reducing the abundance and diversity of the native plant species. Prosopis juliflora also affects pasture and agriculture productivity. A higher proportion of the respondents (81.3) agreed that there is a negative relationship between the increase in Prosopis juliflora invasion and fodder/feed availability on grazing lands. In this study, it is found that there were many factors that cause of invasion and displacement of Prosopis juliflora. A higher proportion of the respondents (85%) agreed that the success of the Prosopis juliflora invasion is largely attributed to the high number of seeds produced and their efficient dispersal mechanisms. The researchers recommended Organizing people (forming a task force) to manually manage Prosopis in areas with potential uses such as farming, settlement, grazing and other uses prior to the species maturing and bearing fruit and to raise the public awareness, especially in pastoral and agro-pastoral areas, about the effects of Prosopis on agricultural productivity, human health, and the ecosystem is also essential. In line with this, cost-effective and simple control methods that can be accomplished by these groups should be identified and implemented.