Published in August 2019
The remarkable economic and physiological characteristics of Prosopis juliflora can be exploited and the plant converted into a prime contributor to the development of many arid regions, especially if its invasive habit and the thorns that limit its widespread acceptance are controlled and or utilized for other commercial purposes.
The prolific nature of the Prosopis plant allows it to re-regenerate within a short time, hence efforts to control its spread by physical removal has not been very successful. However, opportunities exist to control the spread of the plant by adopting management by utilization practices. The key challenge to effective utilization and commercialization of Prosopis products are lack of effective extension of technologies and marketing strategies. To address this, BORESHA is building the capacity of the local communities to manage Prosopis plants while deriving economic and livelihoods benefits. This also entails bringing about change in perceptions- looking at Prosopis plants as a resource rather than a problem. Through use of simple technologies, CARE has trained NRM groups on use of various parts of the plant to make charcoal briquettes and livestock feed. This provides improved opportunities for employment, extra income and renewable energy source.