Pastoralists’ perceptions of the ecological and socio-economic impacts of Neltuma juliflora (Sw.) Raf. (Fabaceae) in Lower Omo Valley, South Ethiopia - RETRACTED

Neltuma juliflora, an invasive alien plant species in Ethiopia's Lower Omo Valley, significantly degrades rangeland resources and threatens pastoral livelihoods. A survey of 154 households and four focus group discussions revealed that 73.4% of respondents viewed the species as undesirable due to its suppression of grazing species, biodiversity loss, and restriction of livestock mobility. Logistic regression analysis identified education level, livestock ownership, and proximity to invaded areas as key factors influencing perceptions of the invasion. While pastoralists employ small-scale coping strategies, broader rangeland management remains limited, highlighting the need for integrated, locally adapted interventions to mitigate socio-ecological vulnerability.

Ardi, N., Shibru, S., & Gatew, S. (2026). Pastoralists’ perceptions of the ecological and socio-economic impacts of Neltuma juliflora (Sw.) Raf. (Fabaceae) in Lower Omo Valley, South Ethiopia - RETRACTED. Invasive Plant Science and Management, 1–37. https://doi.org/10.1017/inp.2026.10047