Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Contributions of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) to livelihoods of peri-urban dwellers in the Free State Province of South Africa

  • Published:
GeoJournal Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is a globally widespread tree of North American origin, considered as a tree of economic importance in some countries and regarded as disruptive invader in others. In South Africa, the species is categorised as a category1b invasive species which dictates the species as undesirable warranting management. We conducted a survey on how the tree has been integrated into livelihoods of peri-urban inhabitants in the eastern Free State Province of South Africa. Results showed that while the tree is currently being utilised by peri-urban dwellers, it is not the species of choice. Moreover, its contribution to household incomes is insignificant while several negative impacts were noted. Given its adverse impacts on grassland ecosystems and the limited community dependency on the tree species, Black locust in the Free State may be safe to target for sustainable control in order to preserve key grassland ecosystem services.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Adair, R. (2004) Seed-reducing cecidomyiidae as potential biological control agents for invasive Australian wattles in South Africa, particularly Acacia mearnsii and A. cyclops. PhD Thesis, Department of Zoology, University of Cape Town, South Africa.

  • Adams, H., Adger, W. N., & Nicholls, R. J. (2018). Ecosystem services linked to livelihoods and well-being in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna Delta. In R. Nicholls, C. Hutton, W. Adger, S. Hanson, M. Rahman, & M. Salehin (Eds.), Ecosystem services for well-being in deltas. Palgrave Macmillan.

  • Bartolome, A. P., Villaseñor, I. M., & Yang, W.-C. (2013). Bidens pilosa L. (Asteraceae): Botanical properties, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/340215

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Benesperi, R., Giuliani, C., Zanetti, S., Gennai, M., Mariotti Lippi, M., Guidi, T., Nascimbene, J., & Foggi, B. (2012). Forest plant diversity is threatened by Robinia pseudoacacia (black-locust) invasion. Biodiversity and Conservation, 21(14), 3555–3568. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-012-0380-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bonanno, G. (2016). Alien species: To remove or not to remove? That is the question. Environmental Science & Policy, 59, 67–73.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Campbell, M. (2016). A great place and not yet another declining small town: The case of Clarens, South Africa. Urbani Izziv, 27, 138–148. https://doi.org/10.5379/urbani-izziv-en-2016-27-02-005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carbutt, C. (2012). The emerging invasive alien plants of the Drakensberg Alpine centre, Southern Africa. Bothalia, 42, 71–85. https://doi.org/10.4102/abc.v42i2.10

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chikowore, G., Mutamiswa, R., Sutton, G. F., Chidawanyika, F., & Martin, G. D. (2021a). Reduction of grazing capacity in high-elevation rangelands after Black locust invasion in South Africa. Rangeland Ecology and Management, 76, 109–117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rama.2021.02.006

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chikowore, G., Martin, G. D., & Chidawanyika, F. (2021). An assessment of the invasive alien tree, Robinia pseudoacacia canopy traits and its effect on grassland microclimates and subsequent arthropod assemblages. Journal of Insect Conservation. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10841-021-00311-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cierjacks, A., Kowarik, I., Joshi, J., Hempel, S., Ristow, M., von der Lippe, M., & Weber, E. (2013). Biological flora of the British Isles: Robinia pseudoacacia. Journal of Ecology, 101, 1623–1640. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2745.12162

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dalby, R. (2004). A honey of a tree: Black locust. American Bee Journal, 144, 382–384.

    Google Scholar 

  • de Neergaard, A., Saarnak, C., Hill, T., Khanyile, M., Berzosa, A. M., & Birch-Thomsen, T. (2005). Australian wattle species in the Drakensberg region of South Africa: An invasive alien or a natural resource? Agricultural Systems, 85, 216–233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2005.06.009

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • de Wit, M., Crookes, D., & van Wilgen, B. (2001). Conflicts of interest in environmental management: Estimating the costs and benefits of a tree invasion. Biological Invasions, 3, 167–178. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1014563702261

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Diaz-Caravantes, R., & Sanchez-Flores, E. (2011). Water transfer effects on peri-urban land/use cover: A case study in semi-arid region of Mexico. Applied Geography, 31, 413–425. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeog.2010.10.005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ehrenfeld, J. G. (2003). Effects of exotic plant invasions on soil nutrient cycling processes. Ecosystems, 6, 503–523. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10021-002-0151-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Erviner, V. T., Garbach, K., Baty, J. H., & Hoskinson, S. A. (2012). Measuring the effects of invasive plants on ecosystem services: Challenges and prospects. Invasive Plant Science and Management, 5, 125–136.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Essl, F., Lenzner, B., Bacher, S., Bailey, S., Capinha, C., Daehler, C., Dullinger, S., Genovesi, P., Hui, C., Hulme, P. E., Jeschke, J. M., Katsanevakis, S., Kühn, I., Leung, B., Liebhold, A., Liu, C., MacIsaac, H. J., Meyerson, L. A., Nuñez, M. A., … Roura-Pascual, N. (2020). Drivers of future alien species impacts: An expert-based assessment. Global Change Biology, 26, 4880–4893. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.15199

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ewel, J. J., O’Dowd, D. J., Bergelson, J., Daehler, C. C., D’Antonio, C. M., Gomez, L. D., Gordon, D. R., Hobbs, R. J., Holt, A., Hopper, K. R., Hughes, C. E., LaHart, M., Leakey, R. R. B., Lee, W. G., Loope, L. L., Lorence, D. H., Louda, S. M., Lugo, A. E., McEvoy, P. B., … Vitousek, P. M. (1999). Deliberate introductions of species: Research needs. Benefits can be reaped, but risks are high. BioScience, 49, 619–630. https://doi.org/10.2307/1313438

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Geesing, D., Al-Khawlani, M., & Abba, M. L. (2004). Management of introduced Prosopis species: Can economic exploitation control invasive species? Unasylva, 217, 36–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gorgens, A. M. H., & van Wilgen, B. W. (2004). Invasive alien plants and water resources in South Africa: Current understanding, predictive ability and research challenges. South African Journal of Science, 100, 27–33.

    Google Scholar 

  • Halseth, G., & Meiklejohn, C. (2009). Indicators of small town tourism development potential: The case of Fouriesburg, South Africa. Urban Forum, 20, 293–317. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12132-009-9064-y

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Henderson, L. (2001). Alien weeds and invasive plants. A complete guide to declared weeds and invaders in South Africa. Plant protection research institute handbook No. 12. Agricultural Research Council. Pretoria, South Africa.

  • Henderson, L., & Wilson, J. R. U. (2017). Changes in the composition and distribution of alien plants in South Africa: An update from the Southern African plant invaders atlas. Bothalia, 47, a2172. https://doi.org/10.4102/abc.v47i2.2172

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hirsch, H., Allsopp, M. H., Canavan, S., Cheek, M., Geerts, S., Geldenhuys, C. J., Harding, G., Hurley, B. P., Jones, W., Keet, J.-H., Klein, H., Ruwanza, S., van Wilgen, B. W., Wingfield, M. J., & Richardson, D. M. (2020). Eucalyptus camaldulensis in South Africa: Past, present, future. Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa, 75, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/0035919X.2019.1669732

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Holmes, P. M., Esler, K. J., Gaertner, M., Geerts, S., Hall, S. A., Nsikani, M. M., Richardson, D. M., & Ruwanza, S. (2020). Biological invasions and ecological restoration in South Africa. In B. van Wilgen, J. Measey, D. Richardson, J. Wilson, & T. Zengeya (Eds.), Biological invasions in South Africa (pp. 665–700). Invading nature: Springer Series in Invasion Ecology.

  • Howard, P. L. (2019). Human adaptation to invasive species: A conceptual framework based on a case study metasynthesis. Ambio, 48, 1401–1430. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-019-01297-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Humphrey, L., Fraser, G., & Martin, G. (2019). The economic implications of Robinia pseudoacacia L. (black locust) on agricultural production in South Africa. Agrekon, 58, 216–228. https://doi.org/10.1080/03031853.2019.1580591

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • IPBES (2019) Global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem services of the intergovernmental science-policy platform on biodiversity and ecosystem services. In Brondizio, E.S., Settele, J., Díaz, S., Ngo, H.T., (Eds.), Bonn, Germany: IPBES Secretariat.

  • Kobisi, K., Seleteng-Kose, L., & Moteetee, A. (2019). Invasive alien plants occurring in Lesotho: Their ethnobotany, potential risks, distribution and origin. Bothalia, 49, a2453. https://doi.org/10.4102/abc.v49i1.2453

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kull, C. A., Shackleton, C. M., Cunningham, P. J., Ducatillon, C., DufourDror, J.-M., Esler, K. J., Friday, J. B., Gouveia, A. C., Griffin, A. R., Marchante, E., Midgley, S. J., Pauchard, A., Rangan, H., Richardson, D. M., Rinaudo, T., Tassin, J., Urgenson, L. S., von Maltitz, G. P., Zenni, R. D., & Zylstra, M. J. (2011). Adoption, use and perception of Australian acacias around the world. Diversity and Distributions, 17, 822–836. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1472-4642.2011.00783.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kunes, I., Balas, M., Gallo, J., Sulitka, M., & Suraweera, C. (2019). Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) and its role in central Europe and Czech Republic: Review. Reports of Forestry Research, 64, 181–190.

    Google Scholar 

  • Langat, D. K., Maranga, E. K., Aboud, A. A., & Cheboiwo, J. K. (2016). Role of forest resources to local livelihoods: The case of East Mau forest ecosystem Kenya. International Journal of Forestry Research, 2016, 4537354. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/4537354

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lazzaro, L., Mazza, G., d'Errico, G., Fabiani, A., Giuliani, C., Inghilesi, A.F., Lagomarsino, A., Landi, S., Lastrucci, L., Pastorelli, R., Roversi, P.R., Torrini, G., Tricarico, E., & Foggi, B. (2018). How ecosystems change following invasion by Robinia pseudoacacia: Insights from soil chemical properties and soil microbial nematode microarthropod and plant communities. Science of The Total Environment, 622–623, 1509–1518. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.10.017

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Le Maitre, D. C., Forsyth, G. G., Dzikiti, S., & Gush, M. B. (2016). Estimates of the impacts of invasive alien plants on water flows in South Africa. Water Sa, 42, 659–672.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Livingstone, S. W., Isaac, M. E., & Cadotte, M. W. (2020). Invasive dominance and resident diversity: Unpacking the impact of plant invasion on biodiversity and ecosystem function. Ecological Monographs, 90, e01425. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecm.1425

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lowe, S., Browne, M., Boudjelas, S. & De Poorter, M. (2000) 100 of the world’s worst invasive alien species. A selection from the global invasive species database. The invasive species specialist group (ISSG), a specialist group of the species survival commission (SSC) of the world conservation union (IUCN). p. 12.

  • Mack, R. (2003). Global plant dispersal, naturalization, and invasion: Pathways, modes and circumstances. In G. M. Ruiz & J. T. Carlton (Eds.), Invasive species: Vectors and management strategies (pp. 3–30). Island Press.

  • Martin, G. D. (2019). Addressing geographical bias: A review of Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust) in the southern Hemisphere. South African Journal of Botany, 125, 481–492. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2019.08.014

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martinez, G. J., & Manzano-Garcia, J. (2019). Perception and use of non-native and invasive flora from Sierras de Córdoba in central Argentina. Acta Botanica Brasilica, 33, 241–253.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moran, V. C., Hoffmann, J. H., & Zimmermann, H. G. (2013). 100 years of biological control of invasive alien plants in South Africa: History, practice and achievements. South African Journal of Science, 109, 9–10.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moteetee, A., & Van Wyk, B.-E. (2006). Sesotho names for exotic and indigenous edible plants in southern Africa. Bothalia, 36, 25–32. https://doi.org/10.4102/abc.v36i1.328

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mucina, L. & Rutherford, M.C. (2006) The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitzia 19. South African Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. ISBN: 978-1919976-21-1. p. 801.

  • Nicolescu, V. N., Rédei, K., Mason, W. L., Vor, T., Pöetzelsberger, E., Bastien, J.-C., Brus, R., Benčať, T., Đodan, M., Cvjetkovic, B., Andrašev, S., La Porta, N., Lavnyy, V., Mandžukovski, D., Petkova, K., Roženbergar, D., Wąsik, R., Mohren, G. M. J., Monteverdi, M. C., … Pástor, M. (2020). Ecology, growth and management of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), a non-native species integrated into European forests. Journal of Forestry Research, 31, 1081–1101. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11676-020-01116-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nunez, M. A., Kuebbing, S., Dimarco, R. D., & Simberloff, D. (2012). Invasive species: To eat or not to eat, that is the question. Conservation Letters, 5, 334–341. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1755-263X.2012.00250.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nyoka, B. I. (2003) Biosecurity in forestry: A case study on the status of invasive forest trees species in Southern Africa. Forest biosecurity working paper FBS/1E. FAO Forestry Paper No 140. Forestry Department. FAO, Rome (Unpublished).

  • Oduor, A. M. O., Leimu, R., & van Kleunen, M. (2016). Invasive plant species are locally adapted just as frequently and at least as strongly as native plant species. Journal of Ecology, 104, 957–968. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2745.12578

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rai, R. K., Scarborough, H., Subedi, N., & Lamichhane, B. (2012). Invasive plants: Do they devastate or diversify rural livelihoods? Rural farmers’ perception of three invasive plants in Nepal. Journal for Nature Conservation, 20, 170–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnc.2012.01.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds, C., Venter, N., Cowie, B. W., Marlin, D., Mayonde, S., Tocco, C., & Byrne, M. J. (2020). Mapping the socio-ecological impacts of invasive plants in South Africa: Are poorer households with high ecosystem service use most at risk? Ecosystem Services, 42, 101075. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2020.101075

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Richardson, D. M., & Rejmanek, M. (2011). Trees and shrubs as invasive alien species: A global review. Diversity and Distributions, 17, 788–809. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1472-4642.2011.00782.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ruwanza, S., & Tshililo, K. (2019). Short term soil and vegetation recovery after Acacia mearnsii removal in Vhembe biosphere Reserve, South Africa. Applied Ecology and Environmental Research, 17, 1705–1716.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Seastedt, T. (2014). Biological control: Perspectives for maintaining provisioning services in the anthropocene. In D. Pimentel & R. Peshin (Eds.), Integrated pest management (pp. 269–280). Springer.

  • Semenya, S. S., Tshisikhawe, M. P., & Potgieter, M. T. (2012). Invasive alien plant species: A case study of their use in the Thulamela local municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Scientific Research and Essays, 7, 2363–2369. https://doi.org/10.5897/SRE11.2075

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shackleton, C. M., McGarry, D., Fourie, S. J., Gambiza, S. E., Shackleton, S., & Fabricius, C. (2007a). Assessing the effects of invasive alien species on rural livelihoods: Case examples and a framework from South Africa. Human Ecology, 35, 113–127. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10745-006-9095-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shackleton, C. M., Shackleton, S. E., Buiten, E., & Bird, N. (2007b). The importance of dry woodlands and forests in rural livelihoods and poverty alleviation in South Africa. Forest Policy and Economics, 9, 558–577. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2006.03.004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shackleton, R. T., Le Maitre, D. C., van Wilgen, B. W., & Richardson, D. M. (2015). Use of non-timber forest products from invasive alien Prosopis species (mesquite) and native trees in South Africa: Implications for management. Forest Ecosystems, 2, 16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40663-015-0040-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shackleton, R. T., Shackleton, C. M., & Kull, C. A. (2019). The role of invasive alien species in shaping local livelihoods and human well-being: A review. Journal of Environmental Management, 229, 145–157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.05.007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shackleton, S., Campbell, B., Lotz-Sisitka, H., & Shackleton, C. (2008). Links between the local trade in natural products, livelihoods and poverty alleviation in a semi-arid region of South Africa. World Development, 36, 505–526. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2007.03.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sitzia, T., Campagnaro, T., Dainese, M., & Cierjacks, A. (2012). Plant species diversity in alien black locust stands: A paired comparison with native stands across a north-Mediterranean range expansion. Forest Ecology and Management, 285, 85–91.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tyler, T., Andersson, S., Fröberg, L., Olsson, K.-A., Svensson, A., & Olsson, O. (2020). Recent changes in the frequency of plant species and vegetation types in Scania, Sweden, compared to changes during the twentieth century. Biodiversity and Conservation, 29, 709–728.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van Wilgen, B. W., Richardson, D. M., Le Maitre, D. C., Marais, C., & Magadlela, D. (2001). The economic consequences of alien plant invasions: Examples of impacts and approaches to sustainable management in South Africa. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 3, 145–168. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1011668417953

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van Wilgen, B. W., Reyers, B., Le Maitre, D. C., Richardson, D. M., & Schonegevel, L. (2008). A biome-scale assessment of the impact of invasive alien plants on ecosystem services in South Africa. Journal of Environmental Management, 89, 336–349.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van Wilgen, B., Measey, J., Richardson, D., Wilson, J., & Zengeya, T. (2020). Biological invasions in South Africa (p. 975). Invading Nature: Springer Series in Invasion Ecology 14.

  • Varble, S., & Secchi, S. (2013). Human consumption as an invasive species management strategy. A preliminary assessment of the marketing potential of invasive Asian carp in the US. Appetite, 65, 58–67.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vila, M., & Weiner, J. (2004). Are invasive plant species better competitors than native plant species? Evidence from pair-wise experiments. Oikos, 105, 229–238. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0030-1299.2004.12682.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vitkova, M., Mullerova, J., Sadlo, J., Pergl, J., & Pysek, P. (2017). Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) beloved and despised: A story of an invasive tree in Central Europe. Forest Ecology and Management, 384, 287–302. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2016.10.057

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Walther, G.-R., Roques, A., Hulme, P. E., Sykes, M. T., Pysek, P., Kuhn, I., Zobel, M., Bacher, S., Botta-Dukat, Z., Bugmann, H., Czucz, B., Dauber, J., Hickler, T., Jarosik, V., Kenis, M., Klotz, S., Minchin, D., Moora, M., Nentwig, W., … Settele, J. (2009). Alien species in a warmer world: Risks and opportunities. Trends in Ecology and Evolution, 24, 687–693.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wisely, S. M., Alexander, K., Mahlaba, T., & Cassidy, L. (2018). Linking ecosystem services to livelihoods in southern Africa. Ecosystem Services, 30, 339–341.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

We acknowledge DEFF-EPWM for funding through the Centre for Biological Control- Rhodes University. We also thank Kim Weaver for assistance with questionnaire design, University of the Free State for administrative and research support. The two enumerators, and residents of Clarens, Ionia and Puthadijthaba who took part in this study are also thanked.

Funding

Department of Environmental, Forestry and Fisheries- Expanded Public Works Programme (DEFF-EPWP). The funders had no role in the study design, collection, analysis and interpretation of data and writing of the report.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, Republic of South Africa

    Gerald Chikowore & Frank Chidawanyika

  2. Department of Zoology and Entomology, Centre for Biological Control, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140, Republic of South Africa

    Gerald Chikowore & Grant D. Martin

  3. International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya

    Frank Chidawanyika

Authors
  1. Gerald Chikowore
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Frank Chidawanyika
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Grant D. Martin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Gerald Chikowore.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Chikowore, G., Chidawanyika, F. & Martin, G.D. Contributions of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) to livelihoods of peri-urban dwellers in the Free State Province of South Africa. GeoJournal 87, 4565–4578 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10708-021-10515-1

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10708-021-10515-1

Keywords

Search

Navigation