Stakeholders and their Involvement in the Management of Prosopis juliflora in Eastern Africa
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Date
2025-02-17
Journal Title
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Publisher
CABI Digital Library
Abstract
The management of invasive alien plant species, such as Prosopis trees, demands a collaborative approach involving stakeholders at various levels and from different sectors. Effective management hinges on integrating different perspectives and expertise, from individual land users to community groups and national authorities. However, stakeholders involved in managing invasive species often exhibit varying levels of awareness, recognition of the problem’s severity and capacity to contribute to solutions. Challenges arise from differing perceptions of the benefits and impacts of invasive species, leading to divergent management strategies proposed by different sectors. This chapter examines stakeholders involved in Prosopis tree management and their levels of interest and influence. Actor mapping workshops conducted with stakeholders in three project sites identified a total of 125 stakeholders. National governmental agencies, local governments, international agencies and local communities were among the key stakeholders, each with varying levels of interest and influence. Stakeholders were categorized into groups such as influencers, regulators, extractors, beneficiaries and affectees, based on their roles and interests in invasive species management. The analysis revealed four idealized categories of engagement based on stakeholder levels of interest and influence. These categories can guide the engagement of (a) inconsequential stakeholders, (b) highly influential but disengaged stakeholders, (c) disempowered stakeholders, and (d) highly influential and engaged stakeholders. Recommendations are made to integrate these approaches into national strategies for invasive species management, ensuring the inclusion of all stakeholder categories and clear delineation of roles and responsibilities. However, the approach has limitations, including subjective categorizations and biases in stakeholder classification. The understanding of terms like ‘influence’ varied among participants, highlighting the need for careful consideration of language and cultural factors in future studies. Despite these limitations, the study provides valuable insights into stakeholder engagement strategies for effective invasive species management in the region.
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG-13: Climate Action
SDG-15: Life on Land
SDG-17: Partnerships for the Goals