Economic valuation of the environmental management of prosopis juliflora (mathenge) in Baringo South Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

Prosopisj uliflora is an invasive tree species that has caused significant impacts across arid and semi-arid regions across Kenya, including Baringo South Sub-County. Initially introduced as a measure to combat desertification, the tree has spread profoundly, contributing to biodiversity loss and undermining agro-pastoral livelihoods. As a result, utilization-based management interventions have emerged as a means to mitigate its adverse effects while simultaneously offering income-generating opportunities to the affected con-rmimities. This study sought to assess the economic value of its management in Baringo South Sub-County. Specifically, it aimed to characterize management interventions, identify socio-economic and institutional factors influencing adoption intensity, and assess their net economic benefits. A cross-sectional research design was used, combining data from 270 randomly selected households, 10 key informants, and 2 focus group discussions. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics, a generalized Poisson regression model, and probabilistic cost-benefit analysis through Monte Carlo simulations with 10,000 iterations. Qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. From the results, charcoal (84.85%) and firewood (47.73%) production were the most widely implemented strategies of managing Prosopis juliflora. Adoption intensity was significantly associated with factors such as landholding size and proximity to markets (both positively correlated at p < 0.01). All interventions demonstrated a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) greater than 1, indicating profitability under uncertainty. Livestock feed processing (BCR = 7.49), charcoal production (BCR = 4.97), land reclamation (BCR = 4.55), and biochar production (BCR = 3.37) emerged as the most economically viable options. In conclusion, utilization-based management of P|'OSOpiS juliflora enhances rural livelihoods while contributing to ecological restoration. These findings offer policy-relevant insights for developing integrated strategies that balance economic use with sustainable environmental management of Prosopi sj ulifl ora in Kenya’s dryland regions. They also align with the Baringo County Integrated Development Plan (2023-2027), Kenya’s Vision 2030, and the Sustainable Development Goals