INVASIVE SPECIES IN EAST AFRICA: CURRENT STATUS FOR INFORMED POLICY DECISIONS AND MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Invasive alien species are the second leading cause of biodiversity loss in the world today. A number of hypotheses have been advanced to explain the proliferation of invasive  species.  These  hypotheses  include  deficiency  of  natural  enemies  in  the introduced range, increased competitive ability, increased resource availability and emergence of  more  vigorous  genotypes in  the  introduced  range.  In  East  Africa policy gaps that range from lack of information on invasive species management to how the available information is managed exist. Major gaps include, a deficiency in the  number  and  interest  of  scientists  studying  invasion  species  biology,  which subsequently leads to lack of interest in the learning institutions, severe deficiency in  predictive  and  monitoring  capacity,  lack  of  coordinated  control  measures,  and poor  preparation  in  government  departments. This  report  serves  to  identify the major gaps and provide information to assist in the prioritization and optimization of  invasive  species  control  and  management.  It  recommends a  need  for  scholars and institutions to develop curricula and recruit more scientists in this discipline. It also recommends an integrative approach, regional coordination and collaboration including  sharing  of  information  in  an  easy  and  practical  language.  The  review further encourages the government and development agencies at the national and the local level to provide funding and incentives for low and localized programs to slow the spread of existing invasive species in order to protect the yet uninvaded ecosystems.  The  adaptation  of  these  recommendations  will  result  to  controlstrategies  and  policy  framework  based  on  sound  empirical  information It  is expected  that  the  report  will  be  valuable  for  land,  environmental  managers  and other stakeholders.