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Invasive plants - friends or foes? Contribution of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) to livelihoods in Makana Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Author

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  • Sheona Shackleton
  • David Kirby
  • James Gambiza

Abstract

The negative impacts of invasive alien species on the environment are well documented. However, despite the predominantly negative perceptions associated with invasive species, it is evident that a number of these plants have been part of the landscape for generations and have numerous commercial and non-market uses. Consequently, there is a need for research that considers the impact of invasive species on the livelihoods and well-being of local communities. The authors investigated the contribution that the trade in prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica), an invasive alien species, makes to the household income streams of poor trading households. The research highlights the apparent conflict of interests and trade-offs that exists between local traders, for whom the sale of the prickly pear provides a livelihood source, and the South African Government, who are actively seeking to remove the plant from the landscape.

Suggested Citation

  • Sheona Shackleton & David Kirby & James Gambiza, 2011. "Invasive plants - friends or foes? Contribution of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) to livelihoods in Makana Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 28(2), pages 177-193.
  • Handle: RePEc:taf:deveza:v:28:y:2011:i:2:p:177-193
    DOI: 10.1080/0376835X.2011.570065
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Nkosomzi Sipango & Khuliso Emmanuel Ravhuhali & Nthabiseng Amenda Sebola & Onke Hawu & Monnye Mabelebele & Hilda Kwena Mokoboki & Bethwell Moyo, 2022. "Prickly Pear ( Opuntia spp.) as an Invasive Species and a Potential Fodder Resource for Ruminant Animals," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-16, March.
    2. Sebitloane Tshegofatso K.J. & Coetzee Hendri & Kellner Klaus & Malan Pieter, 2020. "The socio-economic impacts of bush encroachment in Manthestad, Taung, South Africa," Environmental & Socio-economic Studies, Sciendo, vol. 8(3), pages 1-11, September.
    3. Ramesh Kannan & Charlie Shackleton & R. Shaanker, 2014. "Invasive alien species as drivers in socio-ecological systems: local adaptations towards use of Lantana in Southern India," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 16(3), pages 649-669, June.
    4. Zizipho Atyosi & Luambo Jeffrey Ramarumo & Alfred Maroyi, 2019. "Alien Plants in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa: Perceptions of Their Contributions to Livelihoods of Local Communities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(18), pages 1-16, September.
    5. Amani Al-Assaf & Maher J. Tadros & Salsabeel Al-Shishany & Stephanie Stewart & Mohammad Majdalawi & Mohammad Tabieh & Yahia A. Othman, 2020. "Economic Assessment and Community Management of Prosopis juliflora Invasion in Sweimeh Village, Jordan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-18, October.
    6. Pienkowski, Thomas & Williams, Sophie & McLaren, Kurt & Wilson, Byron & Hockley, Neal, 2015. "Alien invasions and livelihoods: Economic benefits of invasive Australian Red Claw crayfish in Jamaica," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 112(C), pages 68-77.
    7. Khuliso Emmanuel Ravhuhali & Humbelani Silas Mudau & Bethwell Moyo & Onke Hawu & Ntokozo Happy Msiza, 2021. "Prosopis Species—An Invasive Species and a Potential Source of Browse for Livestock in Semi-Arid Areas of South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-13, July.
    8. Sipesihle Booi & Syden Mishi & Oddgeir Andersen, 2022. "Ecosystem Services: A Systematic Review of Provisioning and Cultural Ecosystem Services in Estuaries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-29, June.

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