Maasai women eco-friendly innovation

Local farmers are facing challenges as invasive cacti threaten critical resources in Kenya, including community lands, wildlife reserves, and livestock ranches. The opuntia cactus, introduced by colonialists in the early 1900s as a natural fence, has become a major environmental threat, outcompeting native plants and causing issues for both wildlife and livestock.

The cactus’s spiky outer layers are harmful to animals that graze on them, and its spread hinders wildlife navigation while reducing grazing areas. Local herders have witnessed significant livestock losses due to cactus consumption, including mouth injuries, severe diarrhea, and even death among their animals.

In response to this problem, a women’s group in Laikipia County has initiated an innovative solution. The Iloplei Twala Cultural Manyatta Women Group, consisting of 203 members, is transforming the invasive cactus into biogas, which they can use for cooking and heating in their homes. This not only helps eradicate the cactus but also contributes to environmental conservation while providing an alternative livelihood for the women.

Traditional removal methods, such as manual labor and burning, have proven ineffective. Instead, the women’s group employs heavy machinery to uproot the cactus, transferring it to designated areas and burying it in deep pits to minimize carbon emissions during decomposition. This approach creates fertile zones where native plants can regenerate and flourish.

As of June 2023, Loisaba Conservancy had successfully cleared 3,100 acres of opuntia, marking a significant step in addressing this environmental menace. Research scientist Winnie Nunda from the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International emphasizes that this initiative is a crucial step toward preserving Kenya’s biodiversity.

_{Repurposed article originally published in Euronews}