Famine weed (Parthenium hysterophorus) is an invasive plant species that has caused significant damage to ecosystems, agricultural lands, and human health in many countries of the world. It arrived in Eswatini after the Domoina weather system, where it has spread rapidly, covering large areas of agricultural land and natural habitats. So within Eswatini, it is also known as “Domoina weed”.
I first saw this outside Hlane Game Reserve and my first thought was “this must be wild Gypsophelia. How pretty!” Only to realise later what a horror story this plant is.
The weed outcompetes native plants for resources such as water, light, and nutrients, leading to a decline in biodiversity and the loss of native plant species. The weed is also toxic to livestock and can reduce the productivity of agricultural land. It also “poisons” the land around it to kill off competitors, ensuring its survival! And each plant can produce 100,000 seeds!
Famine weed has also been linked to health problems in humans. The plant produces pollen that can trigger asthma and allergic reactions, and its sap can cause skin irritation and dermatitis. In addition, the plant can harbour pests such as ticks and mites that can transmit diseases to humans and livestock.
Efforts are underway to control the spread of famine weed in Eswatini, including the use of biological control agents such as insects and fungi that target the weed. However, the damage caused by the plant has already had significant economic and environmental impacts in the country.
Several organizations in Eswatini have undertaken measures to control the spread of famine weed. Here are some examples:
- Eswatini Environmental Authority (EEA): The EEA has initiated a project to control famine weed through biological control methods. They have introduced a biological control agent, Zygogramma bicolorata, which is a beetle that feeds on the leaves of the famine weed. The EEA is also conducting research to identify additional biocontrol agents that can be introduced to control the spread of famine weed.
- Eswatini Ministry of Agriculture: The Ministry of Agriculture has also launched a campaign to control the spread of famine weed. They are providing farmers with training on how to identify and manage the weed. They are also distributing herbicides and equipment to farmers to help them control the weed.
- Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC): The ENTC is working to control famine weed in protected areas such as parks and reserves. They are conducting regular surveys to identify new infestations of the weed and are using manual and chemical control methods to manage the spread of the weed.
- Eswatini Sugar Association (ESA): The ESA is working to control famine weed in sugarcane fields. They are using herbicides and manual control methods to manage the weed. They are also conducting research to identify new control methods.
Within Royal Jozini, we are caught in a catch 22. As at January 2025, there has been a 3 year ban on all culls or game sales, and so our game numbers have increased, the grass is disappearing fast and the famine weed is taking hold. From the lake waters in South Africa, the infestation is bad, and so we are taking measures from the furthest point from the lake, to control the spread of this very nasty plant. It will be a long hard battle but we have plans that as soon as we can reduce our fauna numbers, we shall re-seed the land where the grass has been denuded.