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{
    "id": 241565,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/241565/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 178,
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    "content": "(Prof. Kibwana): Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, on 12th of this month, hon. Mwancha asked for a Ministerial Statement on the Prosopis Juliflora tree and I wish to give the statement. I wish to inform you that my Ministry introduced the Prosopis Juliflora tree, a native of southern America in the 1970s. The main reason for its introduction was to assist in the rehabilitation of the arid and semi-arid lands. In addition, it was meant to provide fodder, shade, firewood and building polls. It was also to assist in honey production and act as wind breakers in arid areas which include Turkana, Baringo, Tana River, Garissa, Isiolo, Mandera, Meru, and Taita Taveta districts among others. The tree has lately become a threat to the dry land ecosystem. It has invaded areas of indigenous vegetation and affected human and livestock health and also interfered with the infrastructure such as roads, foot paths and watering points, among others. I wish to confirm that my Ministry is in the process of establishing the number of people and livestock negatively affected by the plant. My Ministry is also in the process of assessing the extent to which the tree has negatively affected the ecosystems of the dry land areas where it exists. My Ministry, together with other lead agencies and other stakeholders is determined to bring the menace of the Prosopis Juliflora tree to an end. Currently, we are in the process of declaring it a national disaster which will solicit support from various sectors geared towards addressing the problem in Kenya. 2258 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES July 20, 2006 My Ministry received technical support from Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) in 2004 to undertake a pilot study on integrated management and control of the plant in Baringo District involving local communities. The activities included the mechanical control through thinning, pruning, and killing of tree stumps and biological control. It is envisaged that subject to the availability of adequate resources, the exercise will be undertaken on a large scale across the dry lands currently affected by the invasive tree. In addition, my Ministry is currently working on a comprehensive strategy on the proper control and sustainable management of the Prosopis Juliflora tree. Thank you."
}