Contributions of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) to livelihoods of peri-urban dwellers in the Free State Province of South Africa

Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is a globally widespread tree of North American origin, considered as a tree of economic importance in some countries and regarded as disruptive invader in others. In South Africa, the species is categorised as a category1b invasive species which dictates the species as undesirable warranting management. We conducted a survey on how the tree has been integrated into livelihoods of peri-urban inhabitants in the eastern Free State Province of South Africa. Results showed that while the tree is currently being utilised by peri-urban dwellers, it is not the species of choice. Moreover, its contribution to household incomes is insignificant while several negative impacts were noted. Given its adverse impacts on grassland ecosystems and the limited community dependency on the tree species, Black locust in the Free State may be safe to target for sustainable control in order to preserve key grassland ecosystem services.