Assessments impact of an invasive alien weed species on indigenous species and its management practices in eastern Hararghe, Ethiopia

Abstract

Invasive alien species are non-indigenous species that adversely affect, economically, environmentally or ecologically habitats. An assessment was conducted to identify Impact of an Invasive Alien weed Species on Indigenous Species and its management practices in eastern Hararghe, Ethiopia and community's perception on their socioeconomic and ecological impacts. The survey area was randomly selected and the total numbers of respondents were 80. The major threat and challenge were loss of biodiversity and crop production due to high spread rate, prolific seed production and high regeneration capacity of invasive alien plants. Respondents noted that invasion of both disturbed and undisturbed areas in the study districts was adversely affected fertility status of soils, suppresses growth of grasses, other herbaceous plants, bush lands and economically important crops, human and livestock health. To prevent the entry of invasive plants utilization of invasive alien plant species as firewood, construction, fence, feed and erosion control were major tackle of their management. Adoption of an integrated management program is mandatory in instead of depending on any single option. Researchers urgently need to characterize and quantify the socioeconomic impacts and devised proper strategies for cost effective and time efficient management options of invasive alien species.