INVASION OF SAVANNAS BY PROSOPIS TREES IN EASTERN AFRICA: EXPLORING THEIR IMPACTS ON LULC DYNAMICS, LIVELIHOODS AND IMPLICATIONS ON SOIL ORGANIC CARBON STOCKS

Abstract. Trees of the genus Prosopis from Americas, were introduced in Eastern Africa 1970s to mitigate land degradation and its associated disservices. However, over time these trees have spread invaded valuable grasslands croplands consequently led significant use cover (LULC) changes livelihood stress. Early detection invasive species is essential for formulating effective management strategies prevent further into non-invaded lands monitoring outcome interventions. We mapped spatio-temporal evolution dynamics invasion, impacts on LULC livelihoods Baringo, Kenya by applying a Random Forest classifier Landsat satellite data seven-year intervals 1988 – 2016. then linked soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks that we had measured different LULCs also socio-economic annual costs clearing farmlands. By 2016, 18,792 ha land, spreading at rate 640 ha/yr, while all other uses declined, each 40% original coverage 1988. Through specific SOC measurements, relating Prosopis, found removal restoration grassland more climate change mitigation compared “cultivation” avoiding trade-offs with ecosystem services livelihoods. Therefore, future this should be based collaborative integrated approach.