Status of Invasive Species Distribution and Their Impact in Ethiopia: Systematic Review
Abstract
In Ethiopia, globalisation, trade, and agricultural practices have contributed to the spread of invasive alien species (IAS), with approximately 35 species, including Prosopis juliflora, Parthenium hysterophorus, and Eichhornia crassipes, threatening various habitats ranging from desert lowlands to highland plateaus. These invasions disrupt habitat structures, outcompete native species, alter ecosystem functions, degrade soil fertility and water regimes, and pose health risks. This review synthesises information on the distribution of IAS and their ecological, environmental, and social impacts in Ethiopia to inform management strategies and policy interventions. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science with keywords related to Ethiopian IAS. Notable invasive plant species, such as P. hysterophorus (affecting 37,105 hectares in Amhara) and Lantana camara, dominate through allelopathy and rapid growth, a trend that has escalated since the 1970s due to human activities, climate factors, and intentional introductions. Economically, these species can reduce agricultural yields by up to 40%, degrade grazing land, and result in billions of birr in losses, and increase management and veterinary costs. Socially and culturally, they cause allergies, toxicity, resource conflicts, pastoral displacement, and the erosion of traditional knowledge related to native plants used for medicine and rituals. Despite the challenges, some species like P. juliflora can provide dual uses, such as fodder. Management strategies incorporate integrated approaches, including manual removal (successfully reducing P. juliflora by 75%), mechanical methods, chemical treatments (e.g., glyphosate for E. crassipes), and biological controls (e.g., Neochetina weevils), along with awareness campaigns. However, these efforts face obstacles like resource shortages, conflicting perceptions, and weak legislative support. Therefore, enhancing government-NGO collaborations, integrating traditional knowledge with scientific research, establishing robust policies, and ensuring sustained monitoring and community education are essential to limit the spread of IAS and build adaptive resilience in affected communities.
Downloads
References
Abdisa, T., & Dilbato Dinbiso, T. (2024). Toxic plants and their impact on livestock health and economic losses: A comprehensive review. Journal of Toxicology, 2024(1), 9857933.
Abdulahi, Y., et al. (2017). Invasive species in Ethiopia: A review of their distribution and impacts. Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology.
Abiyot, B., & Getachew, T. (2006). The P. juliflora dilemma, impact on dry land biodiversity and some controlling methods. Journal of the Dry Lands, 1(2), 158–164.
Addis, A. D., & Desta, T. T. (2024). The highly invasive water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes [Mart.] Solms) and its control methods in Ethiopia’s freshwater ecosystems. CABI Reviews, 19(1).
Adoyo, B., Schaffner, U., Mukhovi, S., Kiteme, B., Mbaabu, P. R., Eckert, S., & Ehrensperger, A. (2022). Pathways towards the sustainable management of Woody Invasive species: understanding what drives Land users’ decisions to adopt and use Land Management practices. Land, 11(4), 550.
Ahmed, R., Uddin, M.B., Abu, M., Arfin, S., Mukul, S.A. & Hossain, M.K. (2007). Allelopathic effects of Lantana camara on germination and growth behaviour of some agricultural crops in Bangladesh. Journal of Forestry Research, 18(4), 301-304.
Assefa, A. S., Tadesse, N. S., Belay, T. B., Hailu, A. A., Betsiha, E. M., Beyene, G. F., ... & Ketema, Y. E. (2016). Assessment of the invasive alien plant species Argemone ochroleuca in North Gondar and West Gojam zones, Amhara region, Ethiopia. Int. J. Nat. Resour. Ecol. Manag, 1, 107-114.
Baker, B. P., Green, T. A., & Loker, A. J. (2020). Biological control and integrated pest management in organic and conventional systems. Biological Control, 140, 104095.
Balcha, L. D. (2022). Prosopis juliflora distribution, impacts, and control methods available in Ethiopia. Int. J. Nat. Resour. Ecol. Manag, 7, 132-144.
Barik, S. S., Sahoo, R. P., Barik, S. S., & Yadav, M. K. (2020). Lantana camara L.: An emerging threat to native flora and livestock: A review. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 9(5), 2363-2366.
Bekele, K., Haji, J., Legesse, B., Shiferaw, H., & Schaffner, U. (2018). Impacts of woody invasive alien plant species on rural livelihood: Generalized propensity score evidence from Prosopis spp. Invasion in Afar Region in Ethiopia. Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice, 8(28).
Binggeli, P., & Desissa, D. (2002). Lantana camara-the invasive shrub that threatens to drive people out of their land. Newsletter of the Ethiopian Wildlife and Natural History Society, 46.
Bogale, G. A., & Tolossa, T. T. (2021). Climate change intensification impacts and challenges of invasive species and adaptation measures in Eastern Ethiopia. Sustainable Environment, 7(1), 1875555.
Bufebo, B., & Elias, E. (2018). Distribution and socio-economic impacts of invasive alien plant species in Ethiopia: A review. Open Journal Plant Science, 3(1), 026-033.
Burgos-Rodríguez, J., & Burgiel, S. W. (2020). Federal legal authorities for the early detection of and rapid response to invasive species. Biological Invasions, 22(1), 129-146.
Caceres‐Escobar, H., Kark, S., Atkinson, S. C., Possingham, H. P., & Davis, K. J. (2019). Integrating local knowledge to prioritise invasive species management. People and Nature, 1(2), 220-233.
Chinchio, E., Crotta, M., Romeo, C., Drewe, J. A., Guitian, J., & Ferrari, N. (2020). Invasive alien species and disease risk: An open challenge in public and animal health. PLoS pathogens, 16(10), e1008922.
Dereje Mosissa. (2019). Invasive Alien Plant Species in the Northwestern & Western Provenance of Ethiopia and Linking Its Phonological Implication to Management and Control. Advances in Life Science and Technology, 74.
Dogra, K. S., Sood, S. K., Dobhal, P. K., & Sharma, S. (2010). Alien plant invasion and their impact on indigenous species diversity at global scale: A review. Journal of ecology and the natural environment, 2(9), 175-186.
Driscoll, D. A., Catford, J. A., Barney, J. N., Hulme, P. E., Inderjit, Martin, T. G., ... & Visser, V. (2014). New pasture plants intensify invasive species risk. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 111(46), 16622-16627.
Eshetu, A. A. (2024). A valuable or a curse resource? A systematic review on expansion, perception of local community, benefits and side effects of Prosopis juliflora. Frontiers in Conservation Science, 5, 1491618.
Fedele, E., Gervasini, E., Cardoso, A. C., La Notte, A., Vallecillo, S., Tsiamis, K., & Maes, J. (2019). Invasive alien species impact on ecosystem services. Publications Office of the European Union: Luxembourg.
Fessehaie, R., & Tessema, T. (2014). Alien plant species invasions in Ethiopia: challenges and responses. In International Workshop on Parthenium Weed in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa (Vol. 65).
Gemechu, D. T., Weldebirhan, T., & Gudina, D. B. (2024). Major Dominant Invasive Alien Plant Species, Land Uses Types and Their Management Practice in Dedessa, Bedelle and Chora Districts, Buno Bedelle Zone, Southwest Ethiopia. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 9(1), 1-8.
Hailu, S. (2002). Some biological characteristics that foster the invasion of Prosopis juliflora at Middle Awash Rift Valley Area, northeastern Ethiopia. Journal of Arid Environments, 58, 135-154.
Haley, A. L., Lemieux, T. A., Piczak, M. L., Karau, S., D’Addario, A., Irvine, R. L., & Cooke, S. J. (2023). On the effectiveness of public awareness campaigns for the management of invasive species. Environmental Conservation, 50(4), 202-211.
Haregeweyn, N., Tsunekawa, A., Tsubo, M., Meshesha, D., & Melkie, A. (2013). Analysis of the invasion rate, impacts and control measures of Prosopis juliflora: a case study of Amibara District, Eastern Ethiopia. Environmental monitoring and Assessment, 185(9), 7527-7542.
Hoffmeister, T. S., Vet, L. E., Biere, A., Holsinger, K., & Filser, J. (2005). Ecological and evolutionary consequences of biological invasion and habitat fragmentation. Ecosystems, 8(6), 657-667.
Hussain, M. I., Shackleton, R., El-Keblawy, A., González, L., & Trigo, M. M. (2021). Impact of the invasive Prosopis juliflora on terrestrial ecosystems. Sustainable Agriculture Reviews 52, 223-278.
Hussein, A., & Estifanos, S. (2023). Modeling impacts of climate change on the distribution of invasive Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. in Ethiopia: Implications on biodiversity conservation. Heliyon, 9, e14927. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14927
Ilukor, J., Rettberg, S., Treydte, A., & Birner, R. (2016). To eradicate or not to eradicate? Recommendations on Prosopis juliflora management in Afar, Ethiopia, from an interdisciplinary perspective. Pastoralism, 6(1), 14.
Kannan, R., Shackleton, C. M., & Shaanker, R. U. (2014). Invasive alien species as drivers in socio-ecological systems: local adaptations towards use of Lantana in Southern India. Environment, development and sustainability, 16(3), 649-669.
Karouach, F., Ben Bakrim, W., Ezzariai, A., Sobeh, M., Kibret, M., Yasri, A., & Kouisni, L. (2022). A comprehensive evaluation of the existing approaches for controlling and managing the proliferation of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). Frontiers in Environmental Science, 9, 767871.
Kassahun, Z., Yohannes, L., & Olani, N. (2004). Prosopis juliflora: Potentials and Problems. Arem, 6, 1-10.
Kefelegn, H. (2015). Invasive Alien Weed Species Impacts on Biodiversity and Socio-Economic Aspect in Ethiopia: A Review. International Journal of Science and Research, 4(10), 2179-2185.
Kuma, M., & Warkineh, B. (2020). Status and future invasion potential of Lantana camara L. under the changing climate and land cover in the Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia. Ethiopian Journal of Biological Sciences, 19(1), 103–116.
Kuma, M., Achiso, Z., Chinasho, A., Yaya, D., & Tessema, S. (2021). Floristics and diversity of invasive alien plant species in Humbo District, south Ethiopia. International Journal of Ecology, 2021(1), 6999846.
Lázaro-Lobo, A., & Ervin, G. N. (2019). A global examination on the differential impacts of roadsides on native vs. exotic and weedy plant species. Global ecology and conservation, 17, e00555.
Lindenmayer, D. B., Wood, J., MacGregor, C., Buckley, Y. M., Dexter, N., Fortescue, M., & Catford, J. A. (2015). A long-term experimental case study of the ecological effectiveness and cost effectiveness of invasive plant management in achieving conservation goals: Bitou Bush control in Booderee National Park in Eastern Australia. PLoS One, 10(6), e0128482.
Linders, T. E., Bekele, K., Schaffner, U., Allan, E., Alamirew, T., Choge, S. K., & Eschen, R. (2020). The impact of invasive species on social-ecological systems: relating supply and use of selected provisioning ecosystem services. Ecosystem services, 41, 101055.
Linders, T. E. W., Schaffner, U., Eschen, R., et al. (2019). Direct and indirect effects of invasive species: Biodiversity loss is a major mechanism by which an invasive tree affects ecosystem functioning. Journal of Ecology, 107, 2660–2672. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2745.13268
Mainali, K. P., Warren, D. L., Dhileepan, K., McConnachie, A., Strathie, L., Hassan, G., & Parmesan, C. (2015). Projecting future expansion of invasive species: comparing and improving methodologies for species distribution modeling. Global change biology, 21(12), 4464-4480.
Manning, S., & Miller, J. (2011). Manual, mechanical, and cultural control methods and tools. In Invasive Plant Management Issues and Challenges in the United States: 2011 Overview (pp. 231-244). American Chemical Society.
Mehari, Z. H., & Zeraye, H. (2015). The invasion of Prosopis juliflora and its impacts on Afar pastoral livelihoods. Ecological Processes.
Mekuria, W., Mekonnen, K., Thorne, P., Bezabih, M., Tamene, L., & Abera, W. (2018). Competition for land resources: driving forces and consequences in crop-livestock production systems of the Ethiopian highlands. Ecological processes, 7(1), 30.
Melese, D., Asfaw, Z., Woldu, Z., & Warkineh, B. (2025). Predicting the invasion potential of two alien plant species (Parthenium hysterophorus L., Asteraceae and Salvia tiliifolia Vahl, Lamiaceae) under the current and future climate change scenarios in Ethiopia. Ecological Processes, 14, 79. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13717-025-00626-9
Mohammeda, A., & Bahmudb, S. (2023). The Status, Ecological and Biodiversity Impacts of Invasive Plant Species in Ethiopia: A Review Paper. Global Scientific Journals, 11(11).
Moon, K., Blackman, D. A., & Brewer, T. D. (2015). Understanding and integrating knowledge to improve invasive species management. Biological Invasions, 17(9), 2675-2689.
Mungoche, J., Wasonga, O. V., Ikiror, D., Akala, H., Gachuiri, C., & Gitau, G. (2025). Prosopis juliflora (sw.) DC in the drylands: A review of invasion, impacts and management in Eastern Africa. Sustainable Environment, 11(1), 2521946.
Mussa, M., Teka, H., & Aliye, A. (2018). Socio-economic and environmental impacts of invasive plant species in selected districts of Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 13(14), 673-681.
Mwangi, E., & Swallow, B. (2008). Prosopis juliflora invasion and rural livelihoods in the Lake Baringo area of Kenya. Conservation and Society, 6(2), 130-140.
Natukunda, M. I., Natukunda, K., Kyeyune, G., Tusiime, S. M., Agbemafle, I., & Bisikwa, J. (2020). Management strategies for the noxious invasive parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) in Uganda. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 15(1), 1-9.
O’Connor, T. G., & van Wilgen, B. W. (2020). The impact of invasive alien plants on rangelands in South Africa. Biological Invasions in South Africa, 14, 459-487.
Pimentel, D., Lach, L., Zuniga, R., & Morrison, D. (2000). Environmental and economic costs of nonindigenous species in the United States. Bioscience, 50(1), 53-65.
Poudyal, B. H., Maraseni, T., Cockfield, G., & Bhattarai, B. (2020). Recognition of historical contribution of indigenous peoples and local communities through benefit sharing plans (BSPs) in REDD+. Environmental science & policy, 106, 111-114.
Pratt, C. F., Constantine, K. L., & Murphy, S. T. (2017). Economic impacts of invasive alien species on African smallholder livelihoods. Global Food Security, 14, 31-37.
Pyšek, P., Jarošík, V., & Pergl, J. (2011). Alien plants introduced by different pathways differ in invasion success: unintentional introductions as a threat to natural areas. PloS one, 6(9), e24890.
Reda, A., & Tewelde, F. (2017). Impact of invasive alien plants on biodiversity and livelihood of local communities in Tigray, Ethiopia. World Applied Sciences Journal, 35(11), 2364-2378.
Reichard, S.H., & White, P. (2003). Invasion biology: An emerging field of study. Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden, 90, 64-66.
Rezene, F., & Taye, T. (2014). Alien plant species invasions in Ethiopia: challenges and responses. In International Workshop on Parthenium Weed in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa (Vol. 65).
Russell, J. C., Meyer, J. Y., Holmes, N. D., & Pagad, S. (2017). Invasive alien species on islands: impacts, distribution, interactions and management. Environmental Conservation, 44(4), 359-370.
Seastedt, T. R. (2015). Biological control of invasive plant species: a reassessment for the Anthropocene. New Phytologist, 205(2), 490-502.
Shackleton, R. T., Shackleton, C. M., & Kull, C. A. (2019). The role of invasive alien species in shaping local livelihoods and human well-being: A review. Journal of Environmental Management, 229, 145-157.
Shackleton, R. T., Witt, A. B., Aool, W., & Pratt, C. F. (2017). Distribution of the invasive alien weed, Lantana camara, and its ecological and livelihood impacts in eastern Africa. African Journal of Range & Forage Science, 34(1), 1-11.
Shiferaw, W., & Demissew, S. (2023). Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC and Its Management Options in Ethiopia. Tropical Plant Species and Technological Interventions for Improvement, 249.
Shiferaw, W., Demissew, S., & Bekele, T. (2018). Invasive alien plant species in Ethiopia: ecological impacts on biodiversity – a review paper. International Journal of Molecular Biology: Open Access, 3(4), 169–176. DOI:10.15406/ijmboa.2018.03.00072.
Shukla, K., Shukla, S., Upadhyay, D., Singh, V., Mishra, A., & Jindal, T. (2021). Socio-economic assessment of climate change impact on biodiversity and ecosystem services. In Climate Change and the Microbiome: Sustenance of the Ecosphere (pp. 661-694).
Sintayehu, D. W., Dalle, G., & Bobasa, A. F. (2020). Impacts of climate change on current and future invasion of Prosopis juliflora in Ethiopia: environmental and socio-economic implications. Heliyon, 6(8).
Stokes, K. E., O℉ Neill, K. P., Montgomery, W. I., Dick, J. T. A., Maggs, C. A., & McDonald, R. A. (2006). The importance of stakeholder engagement in invasive species management: a cross-jurisdictional perspective in Ireland. Biodiversity & Conservation, 15(8), 2829-2852.
Taye, T. (2002). Investigation of Pathogens for Biological Control of Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) in Ethiopia. PhD Thesis. Humboldt–Universitat zu Berlin.
Taye, T., Rezene, F., & Yirefu, F. (2007). Invasive alien weed species in Ethiopia: Biology, distribution and importance, and available control measures. Journal of Review Weed Science, 10, 33-39.
Tebboth, M. G. L., Few, R., Assen, M., & Degefu, M. A. (2020). Valuing local perspectives on invasive species management: Moving beyond the ecosystem service-disservice dichotomy. Ecosystem services, 42, 101068.
Tessema, M. E., Wakjira, K., & Asefa, A. (2019). Threats and their relative severity and driving forces in the African Elephant range wildlife protected areas of Ethiopia. International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation, 11(7), 187-198.
Tewelde, F., & Mesfin, M. (2018). Dominant Invasive Plant Species and Their Management Practice in Tigray Province, Northern Ethiopia. Res. Rev. J Ecol. Environ. Sci., 6(2).
Tola, J., & Tessema, T. (2015). Abundance and distribution of invasive alien plant species in Illu Ababora Zone of Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology, 1(7), 94-100.
Vilà, M., Espinar, J. L., Hejda, M., Hulme, P. E., Jarošík, V., Maron, J. L. & Pyšek, P. (2011). Ecological impacts of invasive alien plants: a meta‐analysis of their effects on species, communities and ecosystems. Ecology Letters, 14(7), 702-708.
Williams, F., Constantine, K. L., Ali, A. A., Karanja, T. W., Kibet, S., Lingeera, E. K., & Day, R. (2021). An assessment of the capacity and responsiveness of a national system to address the threat of invasive species: a systems approach. CABI Agriculture and Bioscience, 2(1), 42.
Yan, S. H., Song, W., & Guo, J. Y. (2017). Advances in management and utilization of invasive water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) in aquatic ecosystems–a review. Critical reviews in biotechnology, 37(2), 218-228.
Copyright (c) 2025 Tewachew Worku, Dereje Gasheye
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
