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By Grace Ndlovu
Prof Phillip Ivey from Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网’s Centre for Biological Control presented his team’s research on addressing the crisis of invasive plant species, Prosopis, at the Community Engagement Conference last month.
Prof. Philip Ivey’s presentation, ‘Engaging Communities to Tackle Thorny Problems,’ explored the significant environmental issue occuring in the Northern Cape of South Africa. The research centers on the invasive plant species Prosopis which was introduced to South Africa in the late 1600s to provide shade and fodder for livestock. Unfortunately, this became an ecological nightmare, as the Prosopis proliferated across the arid region, severely impacting biodiversity, water availability, and grazing land.
Prof Ivey highlighted the extensive mapping of Prosopis invasions, revealing the plant's dominance in watercourses and pans, exacerbated by its deep taproot penetrating up to 50 meters into the ground.
The research traces the history of community engagements with Prosopis, starting with its initial promotion by the Cape of Good Hope and Transvaal forestry departments. Waves of regret emerged in the late 1970s, and attempts were made to control the plant, such as implementing biological control initiatives. Despite these efforts, Prosopis continued to spread, and invaded hectares increased from 1974 to the early 2000s.
Recognising the limitations of past approaches to the invasions, Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 adopted an innovative strategy in 2017. The plan was to actively collaborate with local farmers. This new method positioned the farmers as community partners, establishing a community of practice where researchers and landowners work together to manage Prosopis.
In his presentation, Prof Ivey discussed the challenges of engaging communities in the sparsely populated Northern Cape, where meeting physically can be difficult. Simple but impactful solutions like using WhatsApp groups and employing a local champion have been pivotal in overcoming these obstacles.
One key aspect of the project was developing farm-scale management plans. This task was complicated by farmers' negative past experiences with dense Prosopis and failed government programs. Despite some of the farmers still being reluctant, the project has seen progress, with about 15 farmers actively participating.
The project also explores the use of Prosopis as biomass, transforming a problem into a resource.
"The farmers use Prosopis as drought fodder and firewood, and the team is investigating commercial applications of biochar and syngas for energy generation. A particularly innovative use of Prosopis biomass is in constructing biomass-insulated concrete buildings, showcasing the plant's potential in sustainable architecture".
Biological control remains crucial. A leaf-tying moth and other biological agents have been introduced to reduce Prosopis to manageable levels rather than eradicating it entirely. Mass-rearing facilities, established in partnership with the Association of and for Persons with Disabilities in Upington, are also set to play a significant role in this effort, creating meaningful employment opportunities.
Prof Philip Ivey's coresearchers are Kim Weaver and Martin Hill.