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‘Prosopis for Prosperity’:Using an Invasive Non-Native Shrub to Benefit Rural Livelihoods in India


Affiliations
1 University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Medway, Kent ME4 4TB, United Kingdom
2 Department of Architecture and Landscape, University of Greenwich, Park Row, Greenwich, London SE10 9LS, United Kingdom
3 Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, Bhuj 370 040, India
 

Prosopis juliflora is an invasive non-native shrub species which has an adverse impact on natural habitats in many parts of India, with detrimental effects on both wildlife and traditional livestock-based economies. Attempts to eradicate this very adaptable and resilient species tend to be unsuccessful and expensive. Here we report on two management techniques that could be used not only to minimize its ecological impact, but also to acknowledge its value as a resource to support rural livelihoods: biochar production and the creation of stock-proof living fences.

Keywords

Biochar, Living Fence, Prosopis juliflora, Rural Livelihoods.
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  • ‘Prosopis for Prosperity’:Using an Invasive Non-Native Shrub to Benefit Rural Livelihoods in India

Abstract Views: 335  |  PDF Views: 127

Authors

Debbie Bartlett
University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Medway, Kent ME4 4TB, United Kingdom
Sarah Milliken
Department of Architecture and Landscape, University of Greenwich, Park Row, Greenwich, London SE10 9LS, United Kingdom
Dayesh Parmar
Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, Bhuj 370 040, India

Abstract


Prosopis juliflora is an invasive non-native shrub species which has an adverse impact on natural habitats in many parts of India, with detrimental effects on both wildlife and traditional livestock-based economies. Attempts to eradicate this very adaptable and resilient species tend to be unsuccessful and expensive. Here we report on two management techniques that could be used not only to minimize its ecological impact, but also to acknowledge its value as a resource to support rural livelihoods: biochar production and the creation of stock-proof living fences.

Keywords


Biochar, Living Fence, Prosopis juliflora, Rural Livelihoods.

References





DOI: https://doi.org/10.18520/cs%2Fv114%2Fi10%2F2142-2146