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Invasive cactus domesticated to produce wine, juice

A section of Opuntia, an invasive type of cactus. The plant has taken up to70 per cent of the grazing land. [Photo by Jacinta Mutura/Standard]

For many years, pastoralists in Laikipia North have been affected by Opuntia Stricta, an invasive type of cactus that has blanketed their land and killed many of their animals.

The cactus, also known as the prickly pear, has destroyed the environment, brought diseases to livestock, displaced people and worsened the economy of the pastoralist community.

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