Turning Problems into Solutions | Laikipia Permaculture Centre, Kenya

When life gives you prickly pears, make jam.

Opuntia (also known as Prickly Pear) is an invasive species of cacti that spreads rapidly, wiping out grazing land and harming livestock in the arid region of Laikipia, Northern Kenya. The plant spreads quickly, through spreading the seeds found in its pink fruit. But as the permaculture principle says, “the problem is the solution”.

Laikipia Permaculture Centre has created an innovative solution to utilise and manage this problematic plant, turning it into an additional income generator for the local women's groups. The seeds are destroyed during the process, preventing them from spreading.

Find out more in the video below.