Lessons learnt: water hyacinyh control component

Abstract

The Water Hyacinth Control Component (WHCC) is one of the 10 components of LVEMP. The overrall goal of the components‟ focus is to control water hyacinth by reducing the weed to a manageable level. The approach chosen was to use a combination of physical methods (manual removal) and biological methods (using insects as bio-agents) in an integrated manner with a strong input of community participation. The WHCC initiated activities in 1997/98 and todate has activities in 5 districts of Kagera region, 7 districts of Mwanza region and 4 districts of Mara region. At the inception of activities in 1997, the water hyacinth occupied over 2000 ha of the Tanzanian part of the Lake. The excessive proliferation of the weed in the Lake interfered with water transport, displaced the natural biodiversity of the Lake, clogged fish landing sites bringing to a halt fishing activities in many affected areas, reduced water quality and supply and harboured increased populations of vectors of diseases such as malaria and bilharzias and other dangerous animals such as hippos, snakes and crocodiles. The WHCC was charged with the responsibility to alleviate problems caused by water hyacinth and arrest further proliferation of the weed to manageable levels.