Integrating spineless cactus cultivation with regenerative agriculture: a synergistic approach to enhance climate-resilient feedstock production and wildlife conservation in Africa

The perceived conflict between agricultural productivity and biodiversity conservation poses a major challenge in sustainable land management.
This study investigates high-density spineless cactus (Opuntia sp.) cultivation combined with regenerative practices as a strategy to enhance feedstock production while supporting wildlife in Africa’s arid and semi-arid regions.
Owing to its high water use efficiency, spineless cactus can raise net primary productivity by 300-1000% on marginal grazing lands.
Integrated with cover cropping and micro-water catchments, it offers a climate-resilient model for coexistence between agriculture and nature.
The research quantifies the system’s capacity to sustain mammalian biomass exceeding 500 kg km^‑2 – levels comparable to intact ecosystems – while providing food and water for rodents, fowl, and tortoises.
Beyond ecological benefits, the approach supports sustainable feedstock for agricultural and industrial uses, presenting a pathway toward climate-adaptive, biodiversity-positive land use in Africa.

XI International Congress on Cacti as Food, Fodder and Other Uses

A. Tarrisse, S. Pilafidis, M. de Wit

Opuntia, regenerative agriculture, water use efficiency, feedstock, bio-industry, wildlife

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2026.1452.8