Abstract:
Understanding the types, distribution, ecological and socio-economic impacts of invasive alien
plant species in infested and susceptible areas is very crucial. The objective of this study was,
therefore, to assess the types, distribution, ecological and socio-economic impacts of invasive
alien plant species in the Sheka Forest Biosphere Reserve. In this cross-sectional study, both
primary and secondary data sources were used. Primary data sources were collected through
household survey, focus group discussions key informant interviews, observation and plot based
field experiment. Both invasive alien and native plants species were scientifically identified. MS
excel software was used for data organization, and statistical package for social sciences (SPSS,
version 27) was used for data data analysis. The result of study revealed that 14 invasive alien
plant species were recorded including Lantana camara; Parthenium hysterophorus; Psidium
guajava; Ageratum conyzoides; Mimosa diplotricha; Amaranthus spinosus; Senna
didymobotrya; Cuscuta campestris; Sida acuta; Jatropha gossypiifolia; Datura stramonium;
Ricinus communis; Euphorbia platyphyllos and Solanum incanum. Yeki woreda is highly by
IAPS than Masha and Anderacha woredas. There was a lack of awareness among the rural
community regarding the species, its impacts, origination, and spread mechanisms. The findings
of this study were prepared in three independent manuscripts: 1) Invasive Alien Plant Species
and Management Practices at Sheka Forest Biosphere Reserve, Southwest Ethiopia; 2)
Socioeconomic Impacts of Alien Invasive Plants in Sheka Forest Biosphere Reserve, Southwest
Ethiopia, and 3) Impacts of Alien Invasive species on ecosystem and floristic richness and
abundance in Sheka Forest Biosphere Reserve, Southwest Ethiopia. The infestation of invasive
plant species mainly occurred following roadsides. Due to limited access to and movement of
animals and humans in forested areas, the expansion of IAPS into natural forests is not
frustrating, however, it is inevitable to expect the spread of IAPS to forest areas and its
socioeconomic impacts on forest-dependent communities. This needs urgent attention to create
awareness and manage IAPS to minimize its impacts
