Characterisation of arid and semi-arid plants for bio-pesticide development and propagation

Overview

This research initiative addresses the characterisation and conservation of indigenous plant species in arid and semi-arid lands that pastoral communities have long used as natural bio-repellents. Many of these species remain undocumented in scientific literature, and their populations are under threat due to unregulated extraction with little restoration effort. The project seeks to systematically identify these plants, document their traditional uses, and develop propagation protocols to support both conservation and potential bio-pesticide applications.

The initiative combines ethnobotanical surveys, field mapping, propagation trials, and laboratory extraction work. By partnering with pastoral communities and county governments, the project aims to establish arboreta that preserve these valuable species while creating a foundation for future bio-pesticide product development.

Technical specifications

Research approach:

• Wide-area surveys of pastoral communities across northern Kenya to document indigenous knowledge of bio-repellent plant species
• Geographic mapping of plant source locations and assessment of current population status
• Propagation testing using multiple methods to determine effective cultivation protocols for each species
• Laboratory extraction and characterisation to identify active bio-rational compounds
• Establishment of community-based arboreta in agreed sites for in-situ and ex-situ conservation

Key deliverables:

• Comprehensive inventory of arid and semi-arid bio-repellent plant species with location data
• Documented traditional uses and production quantities from pastoral knowledge
• Validated propagation protocols for priority species
• Preliminary bio-rational compound profiles from laboratory extraction
• Community-managed arboreta networks with county government support

Technology readiness level

This project is at an early research stage, beginning with foundational ethnobotanical surveys and field characterisation. The research team will conduct initial community engagement and plant surveys before progressing to propagation trials and laboratory analysis. Future validation will include extraction testing to determine the bio-rational properties of identified species. The project represents a discovery-phase initiative with significant potential for downstream bio-pesticide development and conservation outcomes.