Invasive mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) near the Awash River, Afar Region, Ethiopia(Image courtesy of T. Wakie) . Thus, unless the spread of prosopis is contained and the density reduced in areas where it has become established, this invasive tree is likely to have serious consequences for sustainable livelihoods in the region. The estimated net benefits from water savings alone would strongly justify the implementation of a coordinated control program.”The report clearly supports findings from works undertaken in South Africa on water use by invasive tree species. In addition, invasive trees in drier parts of the country have substantially reduced water in groundwater aquifers on which local farmers and towns are totally reliant.”He further explained that, “These losses have serious consequences for a country where water scarcity limits economic activity and growth. The government in South Africa has responded by creating a multi-million dollar, national-scale program, dubbed ‘Working for Water’, to control invasive alien trees, and has also passed legislation preventing further propagation of invasive alien trees and requiring landowners to control them.” AS

Source: Ethiopian News January 29, 2021 11:59 UTC