An Analysis of Occurrences, Impacts on Livestock and Existing Management Strategies of Invasive Ipomoea hildebrandtii Vatke in Southern Rangelands of Kenya

Background: Ipomoea hildebrandtii Vatke, an invasive weed is a key limitation to livestock production in pastoral and agro-pastoral Southeastern rangelands of Kenya.The weed is reported to reduce forage availability, disrupt normal grazing patterns, and livestock poisoning.Overgrazing, recurring droughts, and land-use changes has greatly contributed to its spread.Methods: Weed information data was collected through field questionnaires, direct observations, key informant interviews and focus group discussions.Remote sensing using satellite imagery was utilized to visualize and analyze weed distribution.Results: The weed is prevalent in degraded grazing areas, along seasonal rivers, and mined fields.Weed infestation was statistically significant between the counties (p < 0.001) with Kajiado county recording the highest infestation.Weed uprooting and burning were reported as the management methods in use.Runoff water was identified one of the key mechanisms of spreading.Between 2019 and 2024, Ipomoea hildebrandtii coverage grew by 26%, in the study counties.Conclusions: Ipomoea hildebrantii poses a significant challenge to livestock production in the region, necessitating the development of localized management strategies.Engaging and synthesizing the community on the impacts of this invasive weed, alongside disseminating information on available management options, is essential for sustaining community livelihoods.