Pastoralists in Mukogodo division in Laikipia district, besieged by one of the worst droughts in East African history, now face a new threat to their lands and livestock: the prickly pear cactus. According to The Standard, some 2,000 sheep and goats have died in the past six months from feeding on the drought-tolerant succulent, which is the only surviving plant in the district. Thorns from the cacti cause major damage to the animals’ digestive tract, which eventually leads to death. Not only is the cactus threatening the livestock, families have been forced to move as the fast growing cactus overtakes native vegetation, and even entire homesteads, The Standard reports. The cactus was introduced to the region by British colonialists in the late 1950s. Unable to contain the plant, residents are turning to the government as well as the African Wildlife Foundation and International Livestock Research Institute for help. Lisa Matthews, a Cultural Survival program officer who visited the affected area in February, emphasized the need for action. "Education is key," Matthews said. "Local residents want to educate other districts on the dangers of the cactus plant. They fear that in about 20 years there may not be any land left in Mukogodo."
Related articles:
Cultural Survival Quarterly: East African Drought Takes a Toll on Maasai Cattle
Weekly Indigenous News: Food Relief Urgently Needed in Kenya’s Pastoralist Communities
Weekly Indigenous News: Worsening drought leads to desperate measures for Maasai herders
