Trees are among the planet’s most essential life-support systems, providing oxygen, stabilizing soils, offering food and medicine, and protecting ecosystems from the worst impacts of climate change. Yet not every tree is a blessing. Around the world, species introduced with good intentions have turned into ecological threats. Somalia faces one of the most aggressive examples of this phenomenon: Prosopis Juliflora, locally known as Cali-garoob, Garan-waa, Keligii-noole, or Geed-yahuud.
Originally promoted as a hardy, fast-growing solution for shade, fuelwood, and land rehabilitation, Prosopis Juliflora has now become Somalia’s most destructive invasive plant. Scientific assessments from FAO, SATG, IGAD, and multiple regional studies confirm that the species is rapidly spreading across rangelands, farmlands, riverbanks, and villages—choking native vegetation, degrading fertile soils, reducing grazing areas, and harming both livestock and livelihoods. In places like Somaliland and Hiiraan, its expansion has outpaced all native species, altering landscapes at a scale that researchers describe as “environmentally transformative and economically severe.”
Despite its deepening impact, public awareness in Somalia remains limited, and coordinated national control strategies remain weak. Understanding how this species arrived, why it spreads so aggressively, and what it means for pastoralists, farmers, and ecosystems is now essential. This article explores the origins, ecological consequences, and growing policy concerns surrounding Prosopis Juliflora—while examining the opportunities and challenges of managing a species that has moved from solution to crisis.
What Are Invasive Species?
Invasive (Non-native) species are plants, animals or other organisms that live in areas where they do not naturally belong. As per USDA Executive Order 13112 and widely accepted international standards, a species must meet two conditions to be considered invasive: 1. It is non-native （or alien） to the ecosystem under consideration and, 2. Its introduction causes or is likely to cause significant damage to the environment, the economy, or human health. These Invasive species are spread primarily by human activities, often unintended. People, and goods transported, travel quickly around the world, and often carry uninvited species with them.
The introduction of invasive species into a new environment can lead to the extinction of native plants and animals, destroy biodiversity, and permanently alter habitats. For example, Kudzu, often called “the vine that ate the South,” which was introduced to the U.S from Japan has overtaken vast areas in the southern states. Similarly, the European rabbits introduced to Australia, have caused over 160 years of environmental damage, with ongoing government efforts still struggling to control their growing population, in one of the longest and most expensive battles against an invasive species.
These examples highlight the destructive impact of invasive species like Prosopis Juliflora, which could similarly ravage Somalia’s ecosystems and economies if not controlled.
The Introduction of Prosopis Juliflora to Somalia.
The exact year of Prosopis Juliflora’s introduction to Somalia remians unclear. However, historical records provide some insights. According to FAO and other sources, in the northern regions (Somaliland), the species was first introduced intentionally in 1959 by Mooney, the protectorate’s first forest officer. Mooney noted small experimental planting at Sheikh, Ga’an Libah, Lafarug, Berbera and Manjassah, with the aim of using it as windbreak in date plantation projects conducted at that moment.
About two decades later, P. Juliflora became among the prime choices for development organizations supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs). For example, it was reported that the plant was introduced in the Hiiran region of central Somalia in 1983 (AFRICARE 1983) and the Gedo region in 1984 (ICR 1984), and other areas with the intention of reforestation, setting up of firewood plantations and sand dune stabilization projects in refugee impacted areas.
According to other available records, seeds from approximately 215 tree species (83 genera) were used in these development projects across Somalia. Similar initiatives took place in the Lower Shabeelle region, such as the Marka-Shalambod sand dune stabilization project between 1973 and 1980, the Brawe project from 1984 to 1988, and the Qorioley Refugee Forestry Project in 1983 (FAO, 1984; UNSO, 1988). However, it remains unclear whether P. Juliflora was intentionally introduced in these areas.
It is likely that the plant’s seeds spread to the Lower Shabelle region and many other southern region through the Shebelle River, which flows from Hiran downstream. Additionally, nomadic communities in central and Middle Shebelle regions, who migrate in search of water and pasture during dry seasons, may have inadvertently contributed to its spread. Over time, this facilitated the introduction and distribution of Prosopis from previously affected areas like Hiran into new regions, where it has since disrupted natural habitats, rangelands, and farmlands.
The Environmental Impact of Prosopis Juliflora in Somalia
Before we talk about the environmental impact of this this invasive tree, we better know that it’s not only a harmful disadvantageous tree, but also it has benefits for both people and animals. It’s said that the tree actually has a lot of benefits, for example In South America, where the tree originates, it is approaching extinction due to over harvesting for its many uses. People use it as a source of fuelwood, livestock fodder, human food, and bee forage, increase honey production. It also provides shade, controls soil erosion and increases soil fertility through litter and fixing of atmospheric nitrogen as it belongs to the legume family. However the case is different in Somalia and most of the African countries that the tree has invaded.
Over half a century after the introduction of this alien species in Somalia, there is increasing concern about it’s negative impacts. Prosopis Juliflora has been spreading aggressively, covering at least 550,000 hectares in Somaliland alone, with an annual growth rate of 5%. Its invasion has reduced agricultural productivity, displaced native vegetation, blocked roads and made large areas inaccessible to humans and livestock. The tree’s thorny branches often injure animals, while its sweet pods cause dental and digestive issues in livestock. As earlier mentioned, Somalis have coined some pretty weird names for this plant, like “Keligii Noole” which means “the sole survivor” and “Gran Waa” meaning “the unknown” these names were given to it due to its aggressive nature and its ability to dominate and take-over of range and forest lands, out-competing everything else in its path.
- Halkan Ka Akhri: Sababaha, Saamaynta iyo Xalka Isbeddelka Cimilada
- Halkan Ka Akhri: Isbeddelka Cimilada: Hadda Halkee Taagannahay?
Efforts to Control the Spread of Prosopis Juliflora.
As awareness of the tree’s environmental and social damage has grown, some Somali communities have attempted to control its spread by cutting or burning it. However, without modern tools to fully uproot the tree, these efforts have proven ineffective. Prosopis Juliflora is remarkably resilient; even when cut or burned, it regrows rapidly, often spreading further as its seeds and branches scatter during removal. Burning Prosopis Juliflora might seem like a quick fix, but clearly it’s not an effective long-term solution. While fire can destroy the visible parts of the tree, it does little to eliminate the problem. In some cases, burning may actually promote its spread, as it can trigger seed germination and stimulate new growth from the remaining roots.
Prosopis as Charcoal?
Turning Prosopis Juliflora into charcoal has recently gained attention in Somalia as a possible way to reduce its spread while providing an alternative source of household fuel. Several youth-led initiatives, including small factories in central regions, have begun harvesting entire trees and converting them into affordable charcoal for urban markets. Their aim is to ease pressure on native forests, which have suffered extensive degradation due to charcoal production over the past decades.
This approach has potential benefits. Prosopis grows rapidly and regenerates faster than most indigenous trees, making it a possible renewable source of biomass when managed properly. Lessons from Kenya and Ethiopia show that controlled utilization can play a role in reducing the density of Prosopis thickets while generating income for local communities. FAO and IGAD assessments also highlight that, if combined with strict management and complete root removal, charcoal production can contribute to reducing the ecological footprint of this invasive tree.
However, significant challenges remain. Cutting Prosopis without removing the root system can unintentionally encourage new growth, and handling seed-bearing branches during transport increases the risk of spreading the plant to new areas. Without proper training and oversight, charcoal production may unintentionally accelerate the invasion rather than control it. There is also a concern that expanding Prosopis-based charcoal markets could increase general demand for charcoal, which may still expose native trees to illegal cutting if regulations are weak.
Another barrier is consumer preference. Many urban households are accustomed to using traditional charcoal made from native species and may be slow to switch unless awareness campaigns are carried out to promote the advantages of Prosopis charcoal, such as its affordability and reduced environmental impact.
For Prosopis charcoal to become a sustainable solution, it must be integrated into a broader management plan with clear guidelines, monitoring systems, and community training. When combined with full root removal and responsible production practices, it can support both ecological restoration and livelihood opportunities. Without such safeguards, the approach risks falling short of its intended environmental benefits.
Conclusion
Prosopis Juliflora has shifted from a potential reforestation solution into a dangerous invasive species, causing huge environmental, social, and economic harm in Somalia. Its unchecked spread threatens farmlands, villages, roads, and rangelands, causing extensive damage that demands immediate and coordinated action. Somalia is stands a critical corossroads where proactive measures can still limit its impact. We strongly call on the Ministries of Environment and Climate Change, Agriculture and Irrigation, as well as partner ministries, government agencies, NGOs, CSOs, and concerned citizens to prioritize this crises.
The government must enact legislation to eradicate Prosopis Juliflora while promoting sustainable land management and community-driven solutions. Researchers and academics must also step forward to develop innovative, effective, and durable methods to combat this invasive species. By working together, we can protect Somalia’s fragile ecosystems, safeguard livelihoods, and pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.
