A systematic review of Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. research in Ethiopia reveals gaps and opportunities for advancing management solutions

Invasive species pose a tremendous threat to biodiversity across the globe. In Ethiopia, Prosopis juliflora predominantly occurs in the lowlands and posing a threat to both biodiversity and the livelihoods of pastoralists and agro-pastoralists living there. The aim of this study is to synthesize the state-of-the-art research and management practices related to P. juliflora in Ethiopia. A Reporting Standards for Systematic Evidence Syntheses (ROSES) flow diagram was developed for systematic review/meta-analysis, followed by the systematic review of literature (n = 85 studies) on P. juliflora research in Ethiopia. Prosopis juliflora related research exponentially increased over the past three decades. Most (48.2%) of the collaborative works were either international or local (41.2%), while national level collaborations were limited (10.6%). Regarding the disciplinary focus, the natural sciences (52.9%) dominated, whereas transdisciplinary research was extremely rare. We found that 'zonal' studies predominate (31.8%) whereas national (5.9%) and regional (2.4%) level studies were scarce. Studies that focused on species attributes comprised about 24% of studies. Basic research on public perceptions of the socio-economic and ecological impact of P. juliflora was the most commonly researched topic in Ethiopia (20%) However, P. juliflora management studies are scanty. Research gaps, including lack of transdisciplinary research and longterm experimental and observational research, were identified to help researchers, academic, decision and policymakers focus future work in these areas.