Kenya Turns Invasive Cactus Into Economic Opportunity

The Laikipia Permaculture Centre (LPC) in Kenya is transforming the invasive prickly pear cactus, Opuntia stricta, from a destructive pest into a source of income and resources for local pastoral communities. Introduced during the colonial era, the cactus displaced grazing land and harmed livestock due to its barbed spines. The LPC now processes the plant into juice, jam, cosmetic oil, livestock feed, and even biogas for cooking, ensuring minimal waste.

The centre collaborates with the University of Nairobi and the Kenya Bureau of Standards to guarantee product quality and safety. Local residents earn money by harvesting the cactus and participating in processing, diversifying income streams beyond traditional livestock herding.

The project also combines mechanical removal with biological control using cochineal insects, replanting cleared land with native grasses and other valuable plants like aloe and moringa. This holistic approach aims to restore ecosystems and build climate resilience in Kenya’s arid lands.