Read more about the article Mexican sunflowers are harmful to rural African farmers
Mexican sunflowers (Tithonia diversifolia) are invasive species that are widely distributed across southern and eastern Africa, where they impact negatively on rural livelihoods and biodiversity. (Photo credit: Greg Forsyth)

Mexican sunflowers are harmful to rural African farmers

Mexican sunflowers (Tithonia species) are promoted as a green manure, but a survey of rural farmers revealed that these species are invasive, and have substantial negative impacts in addition to their benefits.

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A novel system for ranking and comparing the impacts of invasive species

As many invasive non-native (or alien) species pose a global threat to human well-being and livelihoods, an international team of researchers, including C·I·B researchers and associates, have recently developed a new transparent ranking system for plants and animals...

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Read more about the article Social-ecological impacts of two invasive plant species in eastern Africa
Lantana (Lantana camara) flowers and leaves; b) Lantana infestation in Kenya; c and d) Lantana invasions in Ethiopia; e and f) photosentsitivity in cattle that have ingested Lantana. (Photo credits: Arne de Witt, MD Day, Oueensland Department of Primary Industries)

Social-ecological impacts of two invasive plant species in eastern Africa

Findings from two recent papers by C·I·B postdoc, Ross Shackleton, highlight how the invasive plants prickly pear (Opuntia stricta) and Lantana (Lantana camara), cause negative impacts on local communities and the environment in Kenya and Uganda. 

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Read more about the article Negative effects of Siam weed invasions for Tanzanian livelihoods
Dense stands of Siam weed (Chromolaena odorara) in Tanzania (Photo by Arne Witt)

Negative effects of Siam weed invasions for Tanzanian livelihoods

Findings from a paper by a C·I·B post-doctoral fellow, Ross Shackleton, highlight how a recent invader, Siam weed (Chromolaena odorara), has significant negative impacts on the livelihoods of local communities and the environment in Tanzania.

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