Conservationists and environmentalists are racing against time to curb the spread of the invasive Opuntia stricta cactus, which has rapidly taken over pasturelands in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid regions.
The prickly plant, originally introduced in the 1940s as a live fence, has become a menace to livestock farmers in counties such as Laikipia, Isiolo, Taita Taveta, and Marsabit.The Opuntia stricta species has thrived unchecked, outcompeting native vegetation and reducing grazing land, leaving pastoral communities struggling to sustain their herds.
In response, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in collaboration with national and county governments, has launched a series of consultative meetings to formulate a national policy on its management.
During a recent forum in Nanyuki, organized by the Laikipia Wildlife Forum, local leaders, conservationists, and policymakers gathered to deliberate on sustainable ways to control the plant’s spread.
Community representatives voiced their frustrations, insisting that eradication was the only viable solution.“This plant has devastated our pasturelands, injuring livestock and reducing the grazing areas we depend on. We need urgent intervention before it spreads further,” said a farmer from Laikipia.
Experts at the meeting explored various approaches, including biological control methods, mechanical removal, and policy frameworks to regulate the species. While complete eradication may be challenging, the focus remains on managing its spread without harming the environment.
With the livelihoods of thousands of pastoralists at risk, stakeholders are pushing for swift action to ensure Kenya’s dryland ecosystems are protected from further degradation.
