Prosopis pods as human food, with special reference to Kenya

Abstract

Several legume tree and shrub species of the genus Prosopis from South and Central America have been distributed around the dry regions of the world over the past 200 years. The first documented introduction of Prosopis i n Kenya was in 1973, since when it h as spread widely, adversely affecting natural habitats, rangelands and cultivated areas. P. juliflora i s the most common naturalised species in Kenya, but P. pallida also occurs. In contrast to their undesirable effects as invasive weeds, many Prosopis species are valuable multipurpose resources in their native range, providing timber, firewood, live stock feed, human food, shade, shelter and soil improvement. The pods, which are high in sugars, carbohydrates and protein, have been a historic source of food for human populations in North and South America providing flour and other edible p roducts. However, this indigenous knowledge has not followed the Prosopis t rees and the fruit are unused or provide only fodder for livestock in most of Africa and Asia.

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