KEFRI Launches ILO-Funded Project to Harness Prosopis Juliflora for Economic Growth in Turkana

By Turkana Correspondent
The Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) has initiated a Ksh 30 million project focused on the sustainable management of Prosopis juliflora, with the aim of creating green jobs and improving livelihoods in Turkana West.
Funded by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the one-year project targets areas including Kakuma, Kalobeyei, Songot, Nanam, Letea, Pelekech, and Lopur.
By leveraging climate-smart technologies, the initiative aims to transform this invasive species into a valuable economic asset through activities such as carbonization for briquette and biochar production, as well as enhancing charcoal value chains.
“Through research, the project will provide a platform for community-led initiatives, enabling the production of high-value animal feed from Prosopis pods and twigs for commercialization. This will economically empower the target population,” said Patrick Mwirigi, KEFRI’s Assistant Director for the Turkana Region.
Mwirigi emphasized the critical role of ongoing research and knowledge transfer in ensuring the project’s success. A state-of-the-art Prosopis Training and Incubation Centre is set to be established in Turkana to boost entrepreneurial skills and capacity.
“In partnership with the Turkana County Government, Kenya Forest Service, and business stakeholders, KEFRI aims to change the negative perceptions surrounding this invasive plant and unlock its economic potential,” he added.
Adopting an Employment Intensive Investment Approach (EIIP), the project is projected to create 1,040 green jobs, directly benefiting approximately 8,000 households in the target areas.
During the launch, 30 members of the Kakuma Bee Group—comprising both host and refugee communities—received training on diversified Prosopis value chains. The training covered the production of soap, body creams, candles, beauty products, and the exploration of the medicinal benefits of Prosopis byproducts such as wax and honey.
Value added products from bee wax and honey.
Mwirigi highlighted the economic benefits already being realized from Prosopis utilization, noting, “Research shows that communities generate up to KES 45 million annually from activities such as charcoal and pole sales. These gains can be further amplified through environmentally friendly approaches, like briquette production.”
He reiterated the project’s dual focus on economic growth and sustainability, describing it as a key driver of local economic development.
“Our approach advocates for the control, sustainable management, and utilization of Etirae (Prosopis) to mitigate its risks while maximizing its benefits,” he explained.
The project also spotlighted the use of Prosopis juliflora in apiculture, with members of the Kakuma Bee Group emphasizing its importance as a forage plant for bees.
“We see opportunities to expand beyond honey production into ventures that promise better incomes and more jobs for the community,” noted one group member.
Despite its invasive nature, which has led to challenges such as encroachment on grazing lands and farmland, KEFRI Research Scientist Joan Kibet underscored its untapped potential.
“While Prosopis poses significant challenges, its opportunities in beekeeping, energy production, and other sectors cannot be overlooked,” she said.
This project represents a paradigm shift in managing Prosopis juliflora—transforming it from an ecological threat into a catalyst for economic growth and environmental sustainability.