Kenyan Maasai women turn harmful cactus species into bio-gas and food

A group of women in central Kenya are on their way to harvest prickly pear that will be turned into biogas.

The cactus is an invasive species which is disturbing the ecosystem.

Its encroachment hinders wildlife navigation as well as reducing grazing areas. Some animals which consume the plant's fruit can suffer from digestive issues due to its small hairs.

Now a women's group in Laikipia County has transformed the problem into a new enterprise.

Prickly pear was introduced in Kenya in the early 1900s.

"Historically people say it was brought by the colonial government to fence around the colonial government offices as a flower, but all of a sudden it just spread all over Laikipia North due to the dispersal from different animals like elephants, birds, human beings, livestock like goats and cows," Rosemary Nenini, a member of Iloplei Twala Cultural Manyatta Women Group says.

The Iloplei Twala Cultural Manyatta Women Group counts 203 members who are now employed in converting the cactus pulp into fuel.

They can also use it in their homes. This approach not only eradicates the cactus but also offers an alternative livelihood source.