Influence of prickly pear cactus (Opuntia stricta) on the socio-economic status of pastoral livelihoods of rangelands in the Northern Rift Valley of Kenya

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the prickly pear cactus on the socio-economic status of pastoral livelihoods of rangelands in the Northern Rift Valley of Kenya. The prickly pear cactus (Opuntia stricta) is one of the most widespread and naturalized invasive species in the arid and semi-arid areas of Kenya, with serious negative consequences on rural livelihoods and the environment. The invasiveness of O. stricta is due to its productive and competitive advantages under marginal conditions, limited availability of pests and pathogens, and high reproductive potential. A descriptive survey design was used in this study. In this study, the socio-economic impact of the prickly pear cactus was examined in two sites located in the northern rangeland of the Rift Valley in Kenya. A purposive sampling technique with semi-structured questionnaires administered through an Open Data Kit was used to generate the primary data. In order to examine the influence of O. stricta on the socio-economic status of livelihoods, the study used linear regression analysis. The study concluded that an increase in cactus thicket negatively affects the livelihoods of the pastoral communities. This study recommends that support to the local communities from the government, as well as other developing agencies operating within the region, is necessary for the effective management of the invasive species. Furthermore, development plans for the region must also take into account the socio-ecological impact of the prickly pear cactus in the region.