A systematic review of Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. research in Ethiopia reveals gaps and opportunities for advancing management solutions

Abstract

Invasive species pose a tremendous threat to biodiversity across the globe. In Ethiopia, Prosopis juliflora predominantly occurs in the lowlands and posing a threat to both biodiversity and the livelihoods of pastoralists and agro-pastoralists living there. The aim of this study is to synthesize the state-of-the-art research and management practices related to P. juliflora in Ethiopia. A Reporting Standards for Systematic Evidence Syntheses (ROSES) flow diagram was developed for systematic review/meta-analysis, followed by the systematic review of literature (n = 85 studies) on P. juliflora research in Ethiopia. Prosopis juliflora related research exponentially increased over the past three decades. Most (48.2%) of the collaborative works were either international or local (41.2%), while national level collaborations were limited (10.6%). Regarding the disciplinary focus, the natural sciences (52.9%) dominated, whereas transdisciplinary research was extremely rare. We found that ‘zonal’ studies predominate (31.8%) whereas national (5.9%) and regional (2.4%) level studies were scarce. Studies that focused on species attributes comprised about 24% of studies. Basic research on public perceptions of the socio-economic and ecological impact of P. juliflora was the most commonly researched topic in Ethiopia (20%) However, P. juliflora management studies are scanty. Research gaps, including lack of transdisciplinary research and long-term experimental and observational research, were identified to help researchers, academic, decision and policymakers focus future work in these areas.