Trees and shrubs have been introduced in many arid and semi-arid regions across the world as a source of fire wood or to rehabilitate degraded land. Some have become invasive, with massive impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem services and human well being.

Between 2015 and 2021, the Woody Weeds project generated and shared knowledge on the impacts of woody invasive alien species in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania, particularly on Prosopis juliflora and Lantana camara, two of the worst invasive species worldwide. Together with local and national stakeholders, Woody Weeds developed management practices to slow down the further spread and reduce the density of these species.

The Woody Weeds + project was launched in 2021 to support the implementation of the National Prosopis Strategy, which was drafted by the Government of Kenya based on knowledge and recommendations of Woody Weeds and growing political pressure.

Woody Weeds + aims to:

• raise awareness about the long-term impacts of prosopis invasion,
• disseminate knowledge on effective prosopis management,
• support multi-scale cross-sectoral governance of prosopis management,
• pioneer prosopis management strategies in test areas and support upscaling,
• secure funds for the long-term sustainability of prosopis management.

Woody Weeds + is implemented in Kenya’s Baringo, Isiolo and Tana River Counties and includes frequent exchange with neighbouring counties.

In 2022, we secured funding to support the implementation of the National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan (NISSAP) of Tanzania in the Lake Natron Basin, a biodiversity hotspot.

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