Individual Consultant: Study on the Spread, Impact, and Management of Prosopis Juliflora in Kenya

Frontier Counties Development Council

Kenya
Permanent
Full-time

1 day ago

BackgroundProsopis juliflora, locally known as Mathenge, was introduced in Kenya to combat desertification and provide fodder and fuelwood. However, it has since become invasive, spreading rapidly across the Frontier Counties region and posing serious threats to livelihoods, rangeland productivity, and biodiversity. Its proliferation has led to pasture depletion, community displacement, and resource-based conflicts.The FCDC seeks to commission a comprehensive study to document the history, current extent, and ecological and socio-economic impacts of P. juliflora, and to propose practical, evidence-based strategies for its control, eradication, or sustainable utilization.Objectives of the ConsultancyThe study aims to:

Establish the historical context of P. juliflora’s introduction, including the year, source, and responsible agencies.
Map current land coverage (in hectares/km²) across FCDC counties and assess the rate of spread.
Evaluate environmental, economic, and social impacts, particularly on rangelands, water systems, livestock, human health, and livelihoods.
Review control and eradication measures applied in Kenya and other countries (e.g., mechanical removal, charcoal production, biological control).
Recommend sustainable, scalable strategies for eradication, containment, or utilization, incorporating community participation, public-private partnerships, and policy alignment.

Scope of WorkThe consultant will undertake the following tasks: * Conduct a desk review of scientific and grey literature, policy documents, and reports on P. juliflora in Kenya.

Perform spatial analysis using remote sensing and existing land-cover data to quantify invaded areas and identify risk zones.
Undertake GIS analysis to map current coverage and rate of spread in FCDC counties.
Conduct field missions to Tana River and Garissa counties.
Assess impacts on rangelands, pastoralist livelihoods, water resources, and biodiversity.
Carry out multi-stakeholder interviews with institutions such as KEFRI, FAO, ICRAF, County Executive Committees (CECs) for Environment, Natural Resources, and Livestock, Garissa University – Institute of Peace and Security Studies, donor agencies, and affected communities.
Document successful and failed eradication attempts, pilot projects, and lessons learned.
Identify feasible control and eradication strategies.
Recommend actionable strategies for county governments, communities, and development partners.
Draft and submit a final report including data visualizations (maps, charts) and present findings.

Deliverables

Inception Report: Detailing methodology, tools, and timelines.
GIS-Based Mapping Report: Showing P. juliflora coverage by county.
Final Comprehensive Report: Including findings, analysis, recommendations, and visualizations.

Duration and TimelineThe assignment is expected to take 10 working days from the date of contract signing. A detailed work plan will be developed during the inception phase.Required Qualifications and Experience

Postgraduate degree in Natural Resource Management, Ecology, Environmental Science, Geography, or a related field.
Minimum 15 years of experience in invasive species management, rangeland ecology, or related research.
Demonstrated expertise in GIS and remote sensing.
Strong research, facilitation, and report writing skills.
Proven experience in stakeholder engagement and participatory fieldwork.
Excellent analytical and communication skills.
Familiarity with Kenya’s ASAL context and pastoralist livelihoods is essential.

Reporting and Payment TermsThe consultant will report to the FCDC Programme Manager and submit deliverables according to the agreed schedule. Payment will be made upon successful delivery of milestones:

20% upon submission and approval of the Inception Report.
80% upon submission and acceptance of the Final Report.

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