Harnessing Opportunities Provided by the Invasive Chromolaena odorata to Keep It under Control

Abstract

Invasive alien plants (IAPs) have been well-documented as socio-ecological change drivers in most countries globally. Billions of dollars have been spent worldwide on IAP management projects with varying degrees of success. Understanding the contribution of IAPs to human well-being and livelihoods could provide insights into potential sustainable incentives that could be used to achieve effective IAP management. A review was conducted to assess the benefits of the invasive Chromolaena odorata on human well-being and livelihoods. Literature was gathered using keyword searches in electronic databases. The findings from this review showed that C. odorata is utilised in bioenergy production, crop production and protection, ethnopharmacology, human nutrition, and livestock production. However, most of these benefits were reported on the Asian/West African biotype. There was only one ethnopharmacological benefit record on the southern African biotype. This shows that, although C. odorata has significant negative impacts on the environment and livelihoods, its benefits have been integrated into human well-being and livelihoods. Therefore, C. odorata utilisation in bioenergy production, crop and livestock production, crop protection, and ethnopharmacology could create an economic incentive for species control in invaded sites. However, for utilisation to be effective, it should be used as a complementary control strategy.