AN ASSESSEMENT OF CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS FOR

EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF THE WATER HYACINTH IN LAKE

VICTORIA ECOSYSTEM, HOMA-BAY COUNTY;

BY

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A Research Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of The

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JULY, 2022
 DECLARATION
I hereby declare that the work entitled “ An Assessment of Challenges and Prospects for
Effective Management of the Water Hyacinth in Lake Victoria Ecosystem, Homa-Bay
County; is my original work and has been done independently.

Signed:………………………….

Ms; ASHLEY HELLEN AWUOR

Date:………………………….

This dissertation has been submitted with my approval as the college supervisor.

Signed:…………………………………

Supervisor: Ms; MARGARET MWANGIs

Date:…………………………………..

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to first acknowledge the Department of Marine Studies, headed by Mr, Daniel Kairu
for their support throughout my research period. The department particularly helped me access

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various offices for data collection by way of providing an introductory letter, besides allowing
me access to various literatures from the resource center that gave me benchmark upon which
this research was conducted.

Secondly, my acknowledgement goes to my supervisor and coordinator Ms., Margaret Mwangi

and Mr., Leonard Kipruto respectively for their guidance through this research. Ms. Mwangi
constructively criticized the report with formidable reasons which gave me the courage to
continue even in the face of numerous frustrations. Mr. Kipruto kept on urging us to work with
the time limit in mind but so humorously that one would almost not take him seriously; but I did.

Finally I would like to acknowledge my family members and friends whose support and
contributions were very important for the success of this project. My sincere gratitude goes to my
father Mr. Patrick Siaji who supported me financially and morally with sincere encouragements
how hard work pays; you always will be my role model. This acknowledgement would be
incomplete without the appreciation to my dear classmates with whom we share pleasant
moments and supported one another; Lawi Kipkurgat, I always will be grateful for the special
assistance you gave me that made this research project be a full report.

DEDICATION
I dedicate this report to students interested in Lake Ecosystem management, particularly those
with special interest in aquatic and invasive weed management. Institutions dealing in Lake
Ecosystem management will particularly find it valuable.

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 Table of Contents
DECLARATION.....................................................................................................................................ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT......................................................................................................................iii
DEDICATION........................................................................................................................................iv
ABSTRACT..........................................................................................................................................vii
CHAPTER ONE......................................................................................................................................1
1.0 INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................1

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1.1 Background to the Problem...............................................................................................................1
1.2 Statement of the Problem...................................................................................................................3
1.4 Objectives of the Study......................................................................................................................5
1.5 Premises of the Study........................................................................................................................5
1.6 Scope of the Study.............................................................................................................................5
1.7 Justification of the Study...................................................................................................................6
1.8 Significance of the Study...................................................................................................................7
1.9 Limitations of the Study....................................................................................................................7
CHAPTER TWO.....................................................................................................................................9
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW..................................................................................................................9
2.1 Socio-Economic Impacts of the Water Hyacinth...............................................................................9
2.1.1 Economic Effects............................................................................................................................9
2.1.2 Social Effects................................................................................................................................11
2.2 The Prospects and Challenges of Various Control Options;............................................................12
2.2.1 Physical Control...........................................................................................................................13
2.2.2 Manual Control Method................................................................................................................13
2.2.3 Mechanical Control Method,........................................................................................................14
2.2.4 Chemical Control Method of Water Hyacinth;.............................................................................16
2.2.5 Biological Control Method of Water Hyacinth,............................................................................17
2.3 The Role of Stakeholders in the Management of Water Hyacinth...................................................18
2.4 Integrated Water Hyacinth Management.........................................................................................21
2.5 Gaps from the Existing Literature....................................................................................................21
2.6 Theoretical Framework....................................................................................................................22
2.6.1 Theoretical Model.........................................................................................................................23
2.7 Conceptual Framework....................................................................................................................24
CHAPTER THREE...............................................................................................................................26
3.0 AREA OF STUDY..........................................................................................................................26
3.1 Location and Extent.........................................................................................................................26
3.2 Topography and Drainage...............................................................................................................26
3.3 Geology...........................................................................................................................................27
3.4 Soils.................................................................................................................................................27
3.5.1 Rainfall.........................................................................................................................................27

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3.5.2 Winds...........................................................................................................................................27
3.5.3 Temperatures................................................................................................................................27
3.6 Population Size and Distribution.....................................................................................................28
3.6.1 Population size..............................................................................................................................28
3.6.2 Population Distribution.................................................................................................................28
3.7 Economic activities..........................................................................................................................29
3.8 Natural Resources............................................................................................................................29
3.8.1 Fisheries resource.........................................................................................................................29
3.8.2 Aquatic vegetation........................................................................................................................29
3.8.3 Invasive weeds..............................................................................................................................29
3.8.4 Status and Trends of Water Resources..........................................................................................30
3.8.5 Regulatory and Management Arrangement..................................................................................30
3.8.6 Main Water Uses..........................................................................................................................31
3.8.7 Impacts of Water Uses and Demand on Environmental and Natural Resources;..........................31
3.8.8 Wetlands Resources......................................................................................................................32
CHAPTER FOUR.................................................................................................................................33
4.0 Research Methodology....................................................................................................................33
4.1 Population Description....................................................................................................................33
4.2 Nature of Data.................................................................................................................................33
4.3 Sources of Data................................................................................................................................33
4.4 Sample Design.................................................................................................................................34
4.5 Sample Frame and Sample Size.......................................................................................................34
4.6 Methods of Data Collection.............................................................................................................35
CHAPTER FIVE...................................................................................................................................36
5.0 DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION........................................................................................36
5.1 Socio-Economic Impacts of Water Hyacinth Infestation in Lake Victoria Ecosystem....................36
5.2. Measures Undertaken For the Management and Control of Water Hyacinth in the Lake Victoria
Ecosystem, Homa-Bay District..............................................................................................................44
LVEMP II..............................................................................................................................................44
Water Resource Management Authority, Lake Victoria South Catchment Area...................................47
Lake Victoria Basin Development Authority`.......................................................................................48
Kenya Agricultural Research Institute- Kibos.......................................................................................50

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 5.3 The Level of Stakeholders’ Involvement in the Management of Water Hyacinth in Lake Victoria
Ecosystem, Homa-Bay Shore................................................................................................................59
CHAPTER SIX.....................................................................................................................................65
6.0 SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS.....................65
6.1 Summary of the Findings.................................................................................................................65
6.3 Recommendations...........................................................................................................................66
1. Nutrients Control...............................................................................................................................67
2. Institutions.........................................................................................................................................67
3. Control Measures...........................................................................................................................67
4. Disposal of Removed Water Hyacinth...........................................................................................68
5. Research........................................................................................................................................68
6. Community Members....................................................................................................................68
7. Funding..........................................................................................................................................68
8. Planning.........................................................................................................................................68
9. Policy Evaluation and Formulation................................................................................................69
Appendices............................................................................................................................................73
Appendix 1: Questionnaire for households............................................................................................73
Appendix 2: Key Informant Questionnaire............................................................................................79

ABSTRACT
Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) invasion has become a global challenge which has had
significant and detrimental impacts on ecosystems and economies. A native of the Amazonian
region, the free floating water weed has spread to most parts of the world. In Kenya, its invasion
of Lake Victoria has been well documented along with the resulting problems. Various
management measures have been undertaken to control the weed and its proliferation.

This paper asses the challenges and prospects for these management measures, and starts by
understanding the socio-economic impacts of the weed on the community living in the lake

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ecosystem, evaluation of various control measures and finally an assessment of the role of
stakeholders in the management of the weed. It then outlines a proposed integrated management
plan for the control of water hyacinth in the Lake Victoria ecosystem. This has been achieved by
way of reviewing published literature, interview with relevant institutions and data collection
among the communities living at the Homa-Bay Lake shore.

The plan entails timing of control measures to take advantage of the prevailing wind that blows
the weed and concentrates it at the shore; physical removal and biological control of the remnant
water hyacinth is proposed, with the physical control prioritized for the beaches and landing
sites. Various treatment methods are proposed to prevent nutrient enrichment in the rivers and
lakes; including a constructed wetland, having identified the major sources of pollutants.
Disposal of the removed hyacinth has also been discussed together monitoring by the responsible
authorities and a multi-stakeholder water hyacinth monitoring committee is recommended
concurrently with other management strategies.

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

LVEMP II………………………Lake Victoria Environment Management Project

NPC…………………………….National Project Coordinator

BMU……………………………Beach Management Unit

NGOs…………………………..Non Governmental Organizations

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CBO……………………………Community Based Organizations

LVBC………………………….Lake Victoria Basin Commission

KARI………………………….Kenya Agricultural Research Institute

KIWASCO……………………..Kisumu Water and Sanitation Company

CEPA…………………………..Communication, Education and Public Awareness

DEAP…………………………..District Environment Action Plan

NEMA…………………………National Environment Management Authority

KMFRI…………………………Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute

EMCA…………………………..Environmental Management and Coordination Act

WRUA………………………….Water Resource Users Association

WRMA………………………….Water Resource Management Authority

CAAC…………………………...Catchment Area Advisory Committee

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 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Problem

The aquatic weed water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes in the family Pontederiaceae is an erect
free floating, stoloniferous, perennial herb. It grows to 1 m tall with buoyant leaves, which vary
in size according to growth conditions. The bisexual flowers are lilac to lavender in colour with
central area, borne on a single spike. Their beauty and appeal has encouraged intentional spread
of weed by humans, the seed capsules contain up to 300 small long-lived seeds that sink on
release, and the seeds can be viable for up to 30 years thus increasing the weeds capacity for
regrowth and persistence in the environment (Njoka, 2011).In the 100 years, water hyacinth has
spread to many tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world from what is thought to be its
origin in the Amazonian Brazil. It is the world’s most noxious aquatic weed and has been
reported in at least 59 countries (EAC, 2011).

The Lake Victoria Basin has been faced with high infestation by the water hyacinth and has
posed serious environmental and socio-economic problems in the use and management of water
resources. According lake Victoria Basin Commission report titled “Studies on Rapid
Assessment of Ecological Succession and the Dynamics Status of Water Hyacinth in Nyanza
Gulf of Lake Victoria”, the maximum coverage of the water hyacinth in sections of Lake
Victoria occurred between 1995 and 1998.

Today, biological alien invasions are a major driver of biodiversity loss worldwide. Water
hyacinth is challenging the ecological stability of freshwater water bodies, out-competing all
other species growing in the vicinity, posing a threat to aquatic biodiversity. Besides suppressing
the growth of native plants and negatively affecting microbes, water hyacinth prevents the
growth and abundance of phytoplankton under large mats, ultimately affecting fisheries.

Large water hyacinth mats prevent the transfer of oxygen from the air to the water surface, or
decrease oxygen production by other plants and algae. When the plant dies and sinks to the
bottom the decomposing biomass depletes oxygen content in the water body (EEA, 2012).
Dissolved oxygen levels can reach dangerously low concentrations for fish that are sensitive to
such changes. Furthermore, low dissolved oxygen conditions catalyze the release of phosphorus
from the sediment which in turn accelerates eutrophication and can lead to a subsequent increase
in water hyacinth or algal blooms. Death and decay of water hyacinth vegetation in large masses
deteriorates water quality and the quantity of potable water, and increases treatment costs for
drinking water.

Floating mats of water hyacinth support organisms that are detrimental to human health. The
ability of its mass of fibrous, free-floating roots and semi-submerged leaves and stems to
decrease water currents increases breeding habitat for the malaria causing anopheles mosquito as
evidenced in Lake Victoria (Minakawa et al., 2008). Mansonioides mosquitoes, the vectors of
human lymphatic filariasis causing nematode Brugia, breed on this weed (Chandra et al., 2006).
Snails serving as vector for the parasite of Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) reside in the tangled weed
mat (Borokini and Babalola, 2012). Water hyacinth has also been implicated in harboring the
causative agent for cholera. For example, from 1994 to 2008, Nyanza Province in Kenya, which
borders Lake Victoria accounted for a larger proportion of cholera cases than expected given its
population size (38.7% of cholera cases versus 15.3% of national population). Yearly water
hyacinth coverage on the Kenyan section of the lake was positively associated with the number
of cholera cases reported in the Province.

Water hyacinth often clogs waterways due to its rapid reproduction and propagation rate. The
dense mats disrupt socioeconomic and subsistence activities (ship and boat navigation, restricted
access to water for recreation, fisheries, and tourism) if waterways are blocked or water pipes
clogged (Ndimele et al., 2011). The floating mats may limit access to breeding, nursery and
feeding grounds for some economically important fish species (Villamagna and Murphy, 2010).
In Lake Victoria, fish catch rates on the Kenyan section decreased by 45% because water
hyacinth mats blocked access to fishing grounds, delayed access to markets and increased costs
(effort and materials) of fishing.

Historically, physical removal has been the most widely used form of water hyacinth control
(Bowden, 2007). Poorer rural communities resort to removal by hand pulling an extremely labor
intensive process and thus largely ineffective for very large weed infestations. Physical removal
is useful only on small infestations and in situations such as ports or hydroelectricity plants
where high monetary costs can be justified (Ooko, 2011). On the other hand, Biological control
(bio-control) relies on the use of host specific natural enemies (insects, arachnids and pathogens)
from the weed s region of origin. This has prompted for alternative uses as control mechanisms
of the persistent plant.

In Kenya, the water hyacinth weed invaded Lake Victoria in early 1990s and quickly spread to
bays of Kisumu, Kendu, Nyakach and Homa-bay to attain a peak infestation of 17,200 hectares
by 1998, this spread was attributed to lack of natural enemies and high levels of pollution in the
lake providing the necessary nutrients for plants growth The weed impacts negatively on the
riparian communities interfering with their artisan and commercial fishing activities, transport,
domestic and water intakes (USAID/EAST AFRICA, 2012).

The control of the weed in Kenya was achieved through a two pronged approach using the
mechanical harvester and biological control. In 1998, Aquarius System, an American company
won the tender to chop 1500 ha of water hyacinth in 12 months period. Using a specialized
aquatic plant harvester christened the swamp devil was used to destroy the vegetation and a
harvester was used to collect and remove portion of the chopped debris. Target areas included
the ports of Kisumu, Kendu bay, Homa bay, Port Victoria and Nyakach bay (Aquarius systems,
2001).

Kari implemented Biological control program for the water hyacinth that included importation,
mass rearing and release of Neochetin aeichhoriniae and Neochetina bruchi weevils (Njoka and
Causeway, 2006). However, it is imperative to note that even up to now; the weed still remains a
key challenge to the community living around the lake. LVEMP II is still in the process of
establishing ways to control the weed according to a news paper report by
www.lvemp2kenyas.org.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

As development proceeds, human population increases and demand for water resources is
becoming steadily greater. It is not surprising that the adverse effects of water hyacinth which
interfere with human uses of water resources are also perceived as steadily increasing problems.
One important consideration in the management of Lake Victoria is to understand that it took
many years for the lake to get into the poor shape it is in, and it's going to take time to reclaim it.
The water hyacinth infestation is a devastating symptom of the serious water quality problems of
Lake Victoria. The true cost of human society of aquatic weed problems is near impossible to
estimate, although some minimum estimation is possible from consideration of the amounts of
money spent o n controlling individual aquatic weed infestation.

Water hyacinth interferences with water flow in rivers, canals and drains thereby imperiling
irrigation schemes and slowing drainage of water from flood lands; this also increases
evapotranspiration in the water bodies. The movement of boats for transport, fishing and
recreation activities become seriously hampered with the weed just making worse the water
scarcity situation, besides, the economic benefits arising from these activities consequently are
also impeded.

The decaying water hyacinth interferes with the water quality by adding taints and odour to the
water and by decreasing dissolved oxygen content, this leads to loss of aquatic life due to their
invasive nature. Furthermore, the weed favours the spread of diseases such as malaria and
schistosomaisis by providing habitat for the intermediate vectors of the parasites causing these
diseases. Finally, decrease the useful capacity of reservoirs by occupying useful volume and by
increasing evapotranspiration and finally water hyacinth entraps sediments and thus cause a
progressive decrease in the capacity of reservoirs. The economic consequences of diseases
causatively associated with the water hyacinth have not been calculated but it is considered to be
of serious proportion.

1.3 Research Questions;

The main question of this research was: what are the challenges and prospects for effective
management of water hyacinth in Homa-Bay County?

To answer this question, the following specific questions arose;

1. What are the socio-economic impacts of the weed on the community?

2. What management options are available for the weed control?
3. What is the role of the stakeholders in the weed control?
4. What then can be the approach for the effective control of water hyacinth?
1.4 Objectives of the Study
The broad objective of this study is therefore to assess the challenges and prospects of effective
water hyacinth management in Homa- Bay District,

To achieve the above broad objective, there was a need therefore:

1. To assess the socio-economic impacts of water hyacinth on the community in

Homa-bay district,
2. To evaluate measures undertaken for the management and control of water
hyacinth in the lake Victoria ecosystem;
3. To examine the level of stakeholders’ involvement in the management of water
hyacinth in Lake Victoria ecosystem, Homa-bay shore
4. To come up with an integrated management plan for effective management of the
water hyacinth in the lake Victoria ecosystem

1.5 Premises of the Study

 Considering its nature, water hyacinth has negative socio-economic impact on the
community in Homa- County,
 The various management options of water hyacinth have not shown any
significant success,
 Different stakeholders have unique roles in the management of water hyacinth
within Lake Victoria ecosystem.

1.6 Scope of the Study

Water hyacinth has many impacts on community including, environmental, economical, social
and physical, this study however only focused on the socio-economic impacts as they are
apparently direct and easily quantifiable.

There are several beaches within Homa-Bay County, but this study only focused on three of
them namely; Kananga, Ngegu and Pier. This is because the BMUs in these beaches have
previously been involved in the management of water hyacinth by LVEMP II. The institutions
that are involved in the lake management were equally vital in this study; these institutions
include those with regional mandate over the lake such as: Lake Victoria Environment
Management Project II, Water Resource Management Authority, Lake Basin Development
Authority and KARI-Kibos, as well as those working within the area of study such the NEMA
office and the County environment department.

1.7 Justification of the Study

Lake Victoria is important natural resources not only to the people of Homa-Bay County, but
also to the East African community as a whole. This vital natural resource is under great pressure
from the water hyacinth that has been huge menace for the whole region as they try to earn their
living from the lake. Activities such as fishing, transport, irrigation cannot go on with the weed
covering almost the whole surface of the lake.

A lot of negative environmental and social effects are attributed to water hyacinth and this is
why a lot of resources both financial (close to 70 million US Dollars) and human have been
devoted to help in the control of its spread, these resources could have been invested elsewhere
to help improve the livelihood of the communities around the lake (Majale, 2001). Recently in a
press statement by the NPC of LVEMP II, the organization confirmed that in the first four years
(APL 1) a sum of US$ 30million (Kshs.2.2 billion) has been allocated for the entire Project
interventions out of which Kshs.182,704,000 will be used to control Water Hyacinth using
multifaceted approach. This study therefore seeks to analyze the challenges and prospects of the
management options and come up with the best ways to achieve the multifaceted approach
muted above by the agency.

Homa bay County beaches of Lake Victoria are strategic such that the water hyacinth blown by
wind from as far as Uganda waters comes and covers the entire part of the lake here. Besides, a
number of control measures have been tried here with the different CBOs and NGOs.

It is imperative to note that various financial institutions including the World Bank have and are
continuing to invest heavily on the control of water hyacinth in Lake Victoria, this money is
borrowed and therefore if they continue to be spent on non productive interventions, the country
will pay heavily what shall not have benefited its community. This justifies the need to carry out
this research; it evaluates the management options then uses findings and recommendations
thereon to inform future effective interventions in the management of water hyacinth.
1.8 Significance of the Study
This study is significant since it evaluates the various management options, understand their
weakness and borrow from their prospect that forms a good information base in planning future
intervention initiatives.

As the country moves to County governance, and the Constitution giving them jurisdiction over
the environment in their respective areas, this study provides valuable information to the County
administrators in formulating legislations that address the water hyacinth menace- already,
according an interview to the Governor by Citizen TV in late 2013, the County government of
Kisumu set aside 200 million to go to management of water hyacinth. This money before it is
invested in this initiative; there is a need for facts about the various challenges and prospects of
various management options to provide a framework for effective management of the weed,
these facts can only be accessed through a study like this one justifying its urgency and
significance.

1.9 Limitations of the Study

Due to the short period provided for data collection, this study was limited by time, The
management of water hyacinth has of late been highly politicized hence some officers who have
or participating in the management were not free to share information, The cost of moving to
various beaches and institutions as well as that of providing the required materials was also a
limitation.
 Chapter Outlines

Chapter one gives an in-depth overview of the background to the problem,

statement of the problem research questions, objectives, premises significance,
and justification of the study and the scope of the study.

Chapter Two provides a critical review of the existing relevant literature,

culminating in the identification of gaps and the conceptual framework.

Chapter Three outlines the area of study in terms of its physical and socio-
economic set up.

Chapter Four discusses the research methodology, focusing on the nature of

data, sampling procedures and methods of data collection and analysis.

Chapter Five deals with data analysis and discussions and

Chapter Six give the summary, recommendations and conclusion.

 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

This literature will be based on the objectives of this study in order to understand the various
literature on the; The socioe-conomic impacts of water hyacinth on the communities, The various
management options, their challenges and prospects, The role of stakeholders in lake resource
management. It will then evaluate the various water hyacinth management frameworks and their
models then finally come up with a conceptual framework together with a conceptual model.

2.1 Socio-Economic Impacts of the Water Hyacinth

Most water bodies are source of food, energy, drinking and irrigation, transportation and
repositories for human, agriculture and industrial wastes. Most of these water bodies are infested
with water hyacinth which is considered the most noxious of all aquatic weeds and ranked 8 th
among the worlds’ weeds (Varshney, 2006]

2.1.1 Economic Effects

Fishing Production

The infestation by water hyacinth has been observed to lead to reduction of fish catches,
according to El Tigania, 2005, 0.5 million Sudanese pounds were lost annually due to the
navigation problems in the White Nile region. In Nigeria (FAO 2000) observed that fishermen
used three times as much time to push their boats through the heavy weeds, this increased their
cost and was reflected in the consumer prices of fish landed. This reduction in fish catches is
particularly critical for developing countries where fish is the primary source of protein, income
and employment for the poor rural communities (Ogutu-Ohwayo and Balirwa, 2006). Various
scientist have however reported positive attributes of water hyacinth in relation to fisheries,
where infestation of the plant reduces, the dissolved oxygen levels and light favour some native
species of catfishes such as Claries gariepinus and Protopteru sethiopicus at the expenses of the
introduced species such as Lates niloticus which are sensitive to low oxygen concentrations,
(Njiru, 2002; Othina, 2003)

In Kenya, the effect of water hyacinth on national economy has also been a serious problem.
According to Mailu, 1999, during the period of 1996-1998 at Kenya Railways in Kisumu, cargo
decreased from 97 000-35 000 metric tons and a gang of 10 men was employed to manually
remove the water hyacinth. In the same period, the Kisumu water and Sewerage Company
(KIWASCO) had its water supply reduced by 25% from 18000 to 14000 m3 and USD 7500 was
used annually to keep the intake clear of weed (LVBC, 2011).

Water hyacinth has been a threat to boats and canoes and fishing gear left by the fishermen in the
lake and along the beaches to trap fish. According to a study report produced by KARI-Kibos in
January 2011, when the wind direction changes, these facilities would be carried away; the
fishing equipments comprising of a boat or canoe, fishing nets and all accessories and equipment
to enable one to fish ranges upwards from US$ 1000 which is a lot of money for a fisherman. It
is worth noting that while water hyacinth plants may provide food for fish in some measure and
increases the availability of some species of fish, the de-oxygenation problem associated with its
excessive growth causes more serious interference with fisheries.

Transportation

Water hyacinth infestation results in disruption, delays and rising operation costs on the transport
sector the weed chokes large section of water bodies and landing site, making them impenetrable
and inaccessible to boats.

In Uganda according to Majale, 2001, the delays in docking and off-loading brought
dissatisfaction to the customers who opted for other means of transportation; the cost of
transportation also increased to very high figures and there were frequent repairs of links pan
cooling systems of ship.

In the Nile which is the main route of transportation between North and Southern Sudan,
steamers and boats experienced difficulties which are well known and have frequently been
reported in terms of days of obstruction of navigation.(UNEP,2004)

In Kenya, water hyacinth has hampered the movement of smaller vessels especially canoes used
in human transportation. The activities of Kenya Railways have been closed since 1997 in all the
piers in Asembo, Homabay, Kendubay, Kowuor, Mbita and Mfangano. The Kenya railway has
had to keep 10 people permanently employed to remove the hyacinth from the links pan at the
Kisumu Pier. (KEMFRI, 1998)
Power Generation

A clear example is provided by the Owen Falls Power Station in Jinja Uganda which has been
reported to be receiving water hyacinth infestation. According to Ogwang and Molo (2004), the
weed clogged the coolers and the generators were destroyed leading to switching off of one
generator for maintenance and consequently leading to15MW of power loss in addition to
consistent power outages

Irrigation

Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy for the East African Countries bordering Lake
Victoria. It depends on irrigation for which numerous reservoirs have been constructed a huge
network of irrigation channels have been laid out. A clear case example is the rice growing in
Kano Plains, Kisumu County. Water hyacinth has not only impeded water fallows in irrigation
channels, but also reduced the capacity of the reservoirs to store water and of channels to carry it.
This could be attributed to increased siltation and organic deposition in the irrigation
channels .Besides the loss for scarce water resources at the point of desired use, overflowing
water from blocked water courses usually causes bank erosion and flooding of adjoining villages
and fields(Nyaoro and Kitur, 1998).

2.1.2 Social Effects

Tourist and Recreational Activities

The luxuriant growth of the water hyacinth on the shores and in the open water also hinders
recreational activities. The number of tourist that would want to navigate an infested water body
reduces as the dead water hyacinth plants usually reduce the aesthetic value of the water bodies.
According to an East Commission Report, normally when there is no weed the tourist
transporters at Kichinjio fish eating place can get a maximum of 50 tourist in a day, but when the
lake is infested by the water hyacinth, they have to migrate to Dunga point where business is not
as lucrative as near the town and so they get a maximum of 20 people per day. In Sudan for
example, boating, bathing and swimming are no longer possible along many site in infested areas
(Varshney, 2006).
 Water Supply

The presence of water hyacinth along the river bank in Sudan has caused disturbances in the
water supply for settlement due to increased drift leading to massive accumulation and
decomposition along the banks. It has also resulted in water loss through evapo-transpiration as
in the case of Nile system where total water loss due to the presence of the water hyacinth equals
7.12 Miliard Cu.ml/year (UNEP, 2004). A report by Lake Victoria basin commission on socio
economic effects of the weed, explains how KIWASCO, a company that supplies water to
Kisumu city suffers from water hyacinth when it blocks the water intake points and the operation
cost of the company increases due to poor water quality.

Public Health

The weed forms a microhabitat for a variety of disease vectors such as Malaria, Cholera,
Encephalitis, Schistomiasis and Lymphatic filariasis. These are disease of public health concern
in the Lake Victoria basin (Twongo, 2005); the incidences of HIV also increased in 2011 due
poverty that was brought by the weed (KARI, 2011).

Other effects

There has been some use of the weed to remove the nutrients and heavy metals from sewage and
sludge ponds (bioremediation). In Kenya the experimental use of water hyacinth as an organic
fertilizer and animal feed has been undertaken in places such as flower farms (The Daily Nation,
2004). Within Lake Victoria, promotion of the use of the water hyacinth has been mainly by
governmental organizations such as prisons department of Uganda, NGOs and women groups
mainly in Kisumu. In China, the weed was widely used as animal food from 1950s to 1970s,
during that period, the economy in rural areas was low and there was great shortage of food for
animals. It was also used as fertilizer in some areas. Water hyacinths roots naturally absorbs
pollutants, including such toxic chemicals as lead, mercury and strontium 90 (as well as some
organic compounds believed to be carcinogenic) in concentrations 10,000 times that in the
surrounding water (Wolveton and McDonald, 2011)
2.2 The Prospects and Challenges of Various Control Options;
There are three main methods of water hyacinth control namely; physical, chemical and
biological.

2.2.1 Physical Control

The physical control of the aquatic plants is inimical to man’s activities goes back to the first
time the man used his hands and sticks to clear away weeds blocking the passage of boats or
denying access to good fishing spots. As irrigation and drainage channels were constructed, so
the need to control aquatic plants increased. This control option needs to be evaluated based on
its challenges and prospects as compared with other forms of control, both from the economic
standpoint and in terms of the ecological implications of their use. The physical control method
of water hyacinth involves two strategies namely manual and mechanical removals.

2.2.2 Manual Control Method

The manual removal is a short term and is important means of weed control in countries where
labour is readily available and cheap, but success is variable due to such factors as the extent of
weed remove, (Philipose, 2006). For example in India, 50% of manual removal of Eichhornia
crassipes achieved partial success, with 25% of total success and 25% failure in the remainder of
the control.( Varshney and Singh, 2006) .

The importance of using hand control method for clearing water hyacinth and to prolong the
period of weed control after mechanical cutting was emphasized by Livermore and Wunderlich
2009 who identified the problem that the aquatic vegetations cut were re-rooting. The manual
cutting was then changed to manual harvesting of mechanically cut weeds.

A novel approach, which combines manual and mechanical methods, is based on the early
recognition of new exotic weed infestations and the selective removal of shoot and root systems
by diver-operated suction hoses (Clayton, 2007). A filtration technique is then used to separate
weeds from water and sediments. The efficiency of this approach was found to be inversely
proportional to the degree of plant development, hence its suitability for containing exotic weeds.

Manual control also provides a highly selective approach to water hyacinth control which has
been applied in management of wild fowl nature reserve and fisheries. (Hertzman, 2005; Lewis
and Williams, 2004). Furthermore manual methods avoid access problems, particularly where
farmers grow crops right up to the water edges as in the case of Lake Victoria. This enables a
selective approach to management which is of particular important in nature reserves and other
sites containing rare and diverse aquatic organisms.

Uganda for instance began their water hyacinth control in 1993, with manual harvesting of the
weed being the main approach to freeing the landing sites, the Owen Falls dam and water works
areas. This was the first attempt of manual method of water hyacinth extraction in Lake Victoria;
it was then applied in Tanzania around 1997 and in both cases, the government assisted by
providing the local communities who after facing the adverse effects of the weed volunteered,
with hand tools. These hand tools included; forked machetes, shovels, and wheelbarrows, Lake
Victoria basin commission contends that while the manual method were relatively successful in
small landing sites, it proved to be ineffective and unsustainable as expansive landing site were
frequently obstructed by large quantities of the weed. Further, high incidences of snakes’ bites
that occurred during the period deterred volunteer hyacinth harvesters and because of the heavy
nature of the water hyacinth load and the ever increasing masses of the weed, the participants felt
overwhelmed.

They in turn ceased to volunteer and demanded wages high enough to compensate the risks they
faced while removing the weed. Besides, the harvested weeds could not be transported to
distances long enough to ensure that the seedlings and the decaying debris are not driven back to
the water by wind or rain (Twongo, 2006).The lack of advice and information about the most
efficient way to employ manual control of water hyacinth is surprising. Likewise, there has been
little research into the design and effectiveness of manual control method (Arnold and Murphey,
2003).

2.2.3 Mechanical Control Method,

The machines that are used in the control of water hyacinth are diverse and include; those aimed
at cutting and /or otherwise solely removing the aquatic weeds, and those which have other
functions apart from weed cutting and /or removal for example, dredgers. Some of the machines
are water- based on boats and barges, others work from the bank and shore, mounted on tractors
or purpose built machinery. Useful reviews of machines are provided by; Livermore and
Wunderlich, 2009, Livermore, Koegel and Bruhn, 2005

Floating machines are used mainly to manage floating and submerged weeds such as water
hyacinth. Some of the large experimental floating machinery was designed for aquatic weed
management in North America, and in particular, the solution of the specific problem of the
water hyacinth in the Gulf State of USA. (Livermore and Wunderlich, 2009; Ramey, 2012).
They were demonstrated to be effective against the weed with gradual design improvements.

The report on control and management of the water hyacinth in Lake Victoria basin
(ECA-EA/SRDC, November 1999) shows that Uganda procured floating harvesters, including
land based cranes for loading weeds on to dumpers. Twongo and Odongoka (2000) reported that
mechanical harvesting was the only viable option to extract the huge biomass of water hyacinth,
which had got trapped at the Owen-falls Bridge, and upstream of the hydropower generation
facility. Another harvester was procured for providing relief to the harbor at Port Bell (Kampala).
Unfortunately, the harvester broke down before accomplishing the task it was meant for. The
high cost for repair of the machinery led to the decommissioning of the equipment.

Aquarius system, an American company won the tender to chop 1500 hectares of water hyacinth
in Kenya in a 12 month period. The mechanical harvester was used to destroy the vegetation and
collect and remove a portion of the chopped debris. Target areas included the Port of Kisumu,
Kendu Bay, Homa-Bay, Port Victoria and Nyakach Bay (Aquarius Systems, 2001).Even if one
assumes an efficient operation, there are a number of drawbacks which need to be appreciated in
the use of mechanical control method, and particularly in the management of larger water bodies.

 The economic effectiveness of these machines is hard to estimate due to the

complexity of operation: cutting, harvesting, transportation and dumping. The
periods when the machine is out of action also need to be taken into consideration
and the hidden advantages of the nutrient removal.
 Maintenance of the machines is difficult, particularly for machines manufactured
in one country and used in another and often spare parts are costly (Hall, 2009).
 Access to water bodies may be difficult, and shoreline development, piers, etc.
present problem to the larger craft. Long distance may need to be travelled not
 solely to launch a weed cutting boat but also for transportation of harvested weeds
away from the site.
 Shallow waters present severe problems
 The high cost of such management exacerbated by the need for repeated
treatments and the fact that the harvested weed has little or no value in many
countries, may make the operation prohibitive.

On the other hand, there are a number of significant advantages of mechanical method and they
include;

 The degree of selectivity which may be applied, this is of particular importance

when vegetation needs to be left for example to benefit and maximize fish
production
 The removal of nutrients from the water,
 The removal of pollutants from water way
 A reduction in the dependency upon foreign currency as harvesting reduces the
need to purchase herbicides
 The potential for quick and predictable removal of the weeds from specified areas
which can be achieved rapidly
 The production of useful materials, e.g, green manure and animal feed.

2.2.4 Chemical Control Method of Water Hyacinth;

Herbicides can offer a cheap, effective and rapid method of water hyacinth control. However,
they are powerful tools which require knowledge and understanding to be used safely and
effectively. If misused, they can have side effects that may be harmful to aquatic organisms,
wildlife in general and, ultimately man.

Most of the herbicides used in water bodies were originally developed for terrestrial use, and so
their basic behavior and properties were already known before they were tested and adapted for
aquatic use. The testing procedure examines in more details, the ; toxicity to aquatic fauna,
persistence and breakdown products in water and hydro soil, effects on irrigated crops, and the
efficacy of the product against the targeted weeds.
This information allows the manufacturer to provide detailed instruction on the product label
concerning the timing, dose rate, susceptible weed species, and safety precautions required by
the operator. Applications made without following these instructions can, at best, result in a poor
level of weed control and at worst cause unnecessary damage to target ecosystem( Murpy and
Barrett,2013)

Chemical control has been practiced against water hyacinth since the early 1900s in Africa and
South Africa. Most African countries (such as Egypt, Sudan, Nigeria and Benin) relied heavily
on formulations of 2, 4-D and Glyphosate that were aerially sprayed (Chikwenhere and Phiri,
2009). In South Africa, the extent and rate of spread of water hyacinth infestations justify
extensive herbicidal control, which is most often chosen because of the immediate impact it can
have on weed populations. This herbicide is often regarded as the only option to water resource
managers needing a quick solution to a pressing problem.

In Uganda, the method was tried but only at a study stage, there were specific emphases to
establish (i) effectiveness to kill the weed, (ii) their environmental friendliness, and (iii) their
implication on human beings. Twongo and Balirwa, 1997 showed that the chemical control
approach was abandoned because experiments were deemed inconclusive. Besides, the cost of
this control approach in terms of loss of revenue from fish especially from Nile perch from Lake
Victoria export was high.

The Kenyan side of Lake Victoria has however not tested the chemical approach of water
hyacinth control, neither have they undertaken any pilot research to establish its prospects.
Biological control method among the other three options has featured prominently among the
East African countries.

2.2.5 Biological Control Method of Water Hyacinth,

Biological control agent is a control agent based upon a living organism or virus; it relies on the
use of host specific natural enemies (insects, arachnids and pathogens) from the weed’s region of
origin. Water hyacinth is attacked by a large number of arthropods in its native range.

Success with biological have been reported from other parts of Africa and elsewhere in the world
most notably, Lake Chivero in Zimbwabwe, ( Chikwenhre and Phiri,2009); lake Victoria,
Kenya , ( Ochiel et al ,1999) and Benin ( Groote, 2003). Indeed, Lake Victoria basin digest, 2012
records that by February 2000; the water hyacinth infestation had been reduced by 80%, to
approximately 3,400 hectares, mainly through biological control-using weevils and mites.

KARI implemented the biological control programme for water hyacinth that include
importation, mass rearing and release of Neochetina eichhorniae and Neochetina bruchi weevils
that were done at KARI’s Kibos research station. 0n January 21, 1997 the initial batch of these
weevils were introduced in Lake Victoria at Fisheries Pier in Kisumu. (Jumia News, 2011). The
average functionality of the KARI Kibos unit as at December 2005 was 78.12 %,( Kusewa and
Njoka, 2006). The larvae cause critical damage to the petioles while the adults cause damage by
feeding on the leaves.

In general, the results of the biological control programme in lake Victoria has not been
considerably effective due to constraining factors such as high rates of water hyacinth growth
stimulated by waters enriched with nitrates and phosphates, the main drawback with biological
control is that it takes time and often observers tend to dismiss the biological agents due to their
size compared to the problem. It requires time and patience for its prospects to be observed, it
also requires adequate awareness and community mobilization for support.

2.3 The Role of Stakeholders in the Management of Water Hyacinth

The following key terms are important to the subject of stakeholders’ role in the management of
water hyacinth; “participation” and “involvement” are normally used interchangeably in the
Lake Basin management circles

Participation/involvement entails four levels that include;

 Information sharing (one-way communication)

 Consultation (two- way communication)
 Collaboration (shared control over decision and resources)
 Empowerment (transfer of control over decisions and resources)

Stakeholders on the other hand are those individuals or groups who make use of, have an impact
on, or are impacted by decisions regarding the use and management of Lake Basin resources.
The involvement of people in Lake Basin management activities has been the driving force in
promoting environmental protection, pollution control, ecosystem management and biodiversity
preservation.

Public participation and stakeholders involvement in water hyacinth management is essential,

and the benefits are;

 The public interest in the implementation of a management plan is generally longer than
the time span of the government officials and so participation can promote sustainability.
African Lakes workshop found that the long-term viability of many projects output would
depend heavily on local populations because of their residence as opposed to the
government staff.
 The local community would be able to provide the local knowledge that are useful for
developing and implementing the management plan (the Lake Victoria and Tanganyika
briefs on African workshop)
 Community-based activities using participatory approach could bring into the policy
development process the voices of usually excluded stakeholders groups; not only does
their involvement bridge the gap between national or regional policy and local practice,
but can also assist with improving social equity and poverty reduction (lake Toba brief) .
 There is greater acceptance of rules for allocating the resources that may arise from the
water hyacinth such as the money that could be given as wages to those who participate
in manual removal. There is also a reduced cost of enforcing the rules if the stakeholders
have been involved in formulating them since the communities are more willing to
become involved in implementation activities.
 Public involvement can help get politicians interested in supporting the water hyacinth
management in addition, stakeholders’ involvement such as NGOs and CBOs, can also
augment the skills of the weed control institutions.

NGOs and CBOs can particularly play very critical diverse roles that may include among others:

1) Agenda setting and policy development on matters related to water hyacinth control- they
have advantage of being more independent of political pressure than formal management
 agencies, and so are often well positioned to play an important and frequently leading
role in agenda setting and policy development process.
2) Operational function-NGOs can act as implementing agencies for the water hyacinth
management, through small grants provided by governments or international donor
organizations.
3) Networking, collaboration and mediation- NGOs and CBOs are often active in
networking, collaboration and mediation among government agencies and local
communities.
Other roles may include communication/facilitation role, training and funding.

Effective stakeholders’ involvement in water hyacinth management means that there must be
adequate access of to technical, social and economic information; this can be well achieved
through CEPA.

Components of CEPA as described by the Ramasar Convention on Wetlands based on

UNESCO, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the World Conservation Union-IUCN
publication- are defined as;

Communication is the two-way exchange of information leading to mutual and enhanced

understanding. It can be used to gain the involvement of actors and stakeholders and is a means
of gaining cooperation of groups in society by listening to them first and clarifying why and how
decisions are made.

Education is the process that can inform, motivate and empower people to support wetland
conservation, not only by inducing lifestyle changes, but also by fostering changes in the way
that individuals, institutions, businesses, and government operate.

Awareness brings the issues relating to wetland conservation to the attention of individuals and
key groups who have the power to influence outcomes; it is an agenda setting and advocacy
exercise, which help people to know what and why this is an important issue, the aspiration for
the targets, and what is or can be done to achieve targets. (UNESCO, 2012)

In Kenya for instance, the KARI implemented a biological control program for water hyacinth
and to ensure sustainability of the beetle program, the riparian communities were involved in the
rearing and release activities. A total of 35 community members (28 Teachers and 7 youth) were
trained on weevil rearing techniques. (Kusewa and Njoka, 2006)

2.4 Integrated Water Hyacinth Management

The invasion of water hyacinth on most water bodies is largely a result of a combination of a
number of different and accumulative factors. These include high concentration of nutrients,
absence of natural enemies, its use for ornamental purposes and failure on the part of responsible
authorities to implement sustainable ways to control the plant. These challenges cannot be
accurately addressed using a single control mechanism. There is need for the implementation of
a number of strategies that complement each other so as to effectively reduce water hyacinth
infestation to its lowest possible levels possible which are manageable.

An integrated management approach is one such system that has been reported to have been
successfully utilized in some countries (Jones, 2009); it refers to employing two or more suitable
methods together in succession to achieve the desired goal, and provides a holistic approach
towards the fight against water hyacinth invasion. Naser (2006) highlights the need to have area
specific control programs for an effective water hyacinth management system.

In Yugoslavia for instance, herbicides are used for 40% of aquatic weed control, mechanical
clearance 40%, manual control 18% and biological control 2 %.( Kovacs, 2003). According to
Mallya (2009), integrated water hyacinth management strategies were employed in Tanzania. It
involved a biological control, manual removal of water hyacinth at strategic sites in collaboration
with local communities, quarantine regulations, and management of nutrients influx into rivers,
ponds and lakes to attain a sustainable management of water hyacinth.

2.5 Gaps from the Existing Literature

 High levels of nitrogen and phosphorous allow the plant to outgrow the biological control
agents control of nutrient inputs will therefore need to form part of any future integrated
water hyacinth management strategy. However, little is known at this stage about the
nutrient status of hyacinth-infested waters and its effect on the populations of biological
control agents.
  There is lack of advice and information about the most effective way to employ manual
control of water hyacinth, besides; there is little research into the design and effectiveness
of manual control method.

 The economic effectiveness of machines used in mechanical removal is hard to estimate

due to the complexity of the operation that includes; cutting, harvesting, transportation
and dumping. The periods when the machines are out of action also need to be taken into
consideration and so is the hidden advantage of nutrients removal.

 There has not been a conclusive scientific experiment and research on the challenges and
prospects of using chemicals in Lake Victoria.

 There has not been a comprehensive laid down strategy on stakeholders’ involvement in
the management of water hyacinth proliferation in Lake Victoria.

 There is no legislation giving particular attention to control of water hyacinth and its root
causes or invasive aquatic weeds for that matter.

2.6 Theoretical Framework

The theoretical framework seeks to address the problem of water hyacinth by utilizing it on
activities that can promote the community livelihood by using the weed as: animals feed,
production of biogas as well as making furniture and also using the slurry from fermentation as
manure. This is supported by manual removal of the weed and done by the lake shore
communities and various stakeholders.

Water hyacinth has negative impacts on the community that include: diseases such as malaria
caused by the mosquitoes, skin diseases and water borne diseases; loss of biodiversity as it is
invasive coupled with the dirty environment within the lake that hinders the survival of some
species of fauna; unemployment arising from it impeding socio-economic activities like fishing
and water transportation.

To address these negative problems, the issue of weed infestation needs to be tackled by various
strategies that include; physical, biological and mechanical control methods, the other strategies
 will involve carrying out education among members of the community and establishing a
legislative framework to address the problem of water hyacinth. Combined with sustainable
utilization of the weed that gives the positive measures, this will lead to adequate control of the
water hyacinth proliferation.

2.6.1 Theoretical Model

Outlining the nature, effects and control measures of water hyacinth

WATER BODY Nutrients+

HM

WATER HYACINTH [mature

and senescent] Associated
DO and their Vectors

POSITIVE NEGATIVE

-use as animal feeds/silage -disease to man

Impacts
-use for biogas -loss of biodiversity

-slurry from fermentation -unemployment

used as manure
-impede transportation,
-making furniture
-Impair fishing

-affects electric energy

CONTROL METHODS
Education Legislation Sustainable
Physical control utilization

Chemical control
Sources, Majale, 2001
Biological control
2.7 Conceptual Framework
With the rapid population increase and urbanization, there is increased development and other
anthropogenic activity to support this growing population, the outcome is therefore pollution
from industries and households as well as catchment and environmental degradation. This should
be addressed by the relevant policy and legislative framework which unfournately are least
complied with and enforced.

The outcome is point source and non-point source pollution which are fed into the lake and water
bodies as nutrients that supports the luxuriant proliferation of water hyacinth. To control the
weed, there is urgency to take advantage of its positive benefits of the weed by using it as:
manure, in the making of artifacts, animal feeds and source of biogas; this will well be enabled
through manual; harvesting of the weed.

Other control measures will involve combining physical and biological control methods with
manual and mechanical method being implemented at critical areas like the landing sites and
beaches, while biological method being implemented with active involvement of stakeholders
such as the BMUs and CBOs. The implementers of the manual and mechanical method should
particularly base their plan on the prevailing wind flow which is a critical component of the
water hyacinth management as it scatters the weed thereby influencing the control.

Secondly, there should be adequate compliance and enforcement of various legislations that
govern development to ensure that they take place sustainably; there is also a need to establish
through legislation, a multi- stakeholder committee that will deal with the problem of constant
inflow of nutrients into the lake, and bring together all the stakeholders for effective management
of water hyacinth. The regulation should also detail strategies for effective Communication,
Education, Participation and Awareness that will seek to achieve active and adequate
stakeholders’ involvement

Since chemical control method has not been approved by the East African Member states, it is
imperative that adequate and relevant research is also undertaken to provide information on its
prospects alongside research on other subsequent dynamics that may arise from integrated
 management approach. The model therefore borrows slightly from the theoretical model with
modification in various areas to achieve integration.

2.7.1 CONCEPTUAL MODEL

Population increase, rapid Urbanization and

Development

Industrial and Policy and Legislative Catchment and

domestic pollution framework compliance and environmental degradation
enforcement gap

Point source Water and Lake Non –point source

pollution Pollution pollution

Various positive uses; Water hyacinth Prevailing wind flow that

proliferation concentrates the weed at
-making of artifacts Winam Gulf
-Using as fertilizer

-conversion into energy

-feeding animals

Stakeholders’ involvement; Compliance and Control Measures; Research into various

enforcement of control measures and
-Communication legislations -Manual removal uses
-Education -Biological control
Sustainable
-Participation development -Mechanical removal at
the Beaches and dams
-Awareness

INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF WATER HYACINTH PROLIFERATION IN LAKE VICTORIA

ECOSYSTEM
Source; author’s design.

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 AREA OF STUDY

3.1 Location and Extent

Plate 1; Homa-_Bay County_location_map.png (545 × 600 pixels, file size: 172 KB, MIME
type: image/png)

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Homa_Bay_location_map.png

3.2 Topography and Drainage

Homa Bay District is located on the lakeshore lowland of Homa-Bay County, it ranges between
1143 to 1220 meters above sea level and comprises of a narrow stretch bordering Lake Victoria.
The district borders Rachuonyo district to the North, Kisii district to the East, Migori District to
the South and Suba district to the West. It’s located between longitudes 34, 12’ and 34, 40’ East
and latitudes 0, 28’ and 0, 40’ South. At the end of lakeshore lowland lays Homa Bay town. The
bay is skirted by a shoreline stretching for approximately 16.5 km covering parts of Asego and
Rangwe divisions.
The area has a gently rolling terrain that flattens towards Lake Victoria. It is characterized by
various hills standing separately. Most parts drain westwards to the lake except the areas of Got
Rabuor, Arujo and parts of Sofia, which drain into the Arujo stream which eventually drains into
Lake Victoria.

The County Government of Homa-bay is responsible for management and maintenance of the
urban drains. Storm water drainage facilities are not available in most of the urban roads except
the CBD and central government and municipal residential quarters which are well serviced with
drains. However, most of the drains in the residential estates have been covered with alluvial soil
over the years.

3.3 Geology
The district is under laid by Agglomerates, tuff sands stones, granite and various deposits useful
in the construction of an industry. The variation in geology accounts for variation in altitudes and
soils.

3.4 Soils
There is a wide range of soil types across the district. The lake shore lowlands, in Rangwe and
Asego divisions are dominated by alluvial soils mainly the sandy loam soil. The soil vary widely
from deep red clay soil, Nitosols and phaeozemns, deeply poor drained cracking clay soils of
varying depth and texture. Nitosols ,Luvisol and phaeozems are found in Asego and Rangwe.

3.5 Climate

3.5.1 Rainfall
The District experiences two rainy seasons, the long and the short rains, which fall between
February and March and between the months of August and November, respectively. In Asego
Division, the rainfall is relatively low compared to other divisions. The rainfall pattern ranges
between 250 and 700 mm per annum.

3.5.2 Winds
Generalized wind speeds average about 4 m/sec and have certain regularity due to the convection
effect of the large water body of the lake that borders the often hot dry land.
3.5.3 Temperatures
Temperature varies with altitude and proximity to the lake and tends to increase towards the
lowland with an average of 17.10 to 34.80 centigrade. Temperatures are highest between
December and March with the hottest weather being experienced in February and the lowest in
April and November.

3.6 Population Size and Distribution

3.6.1 Population size

The population of Homa-bay district is about 312,885 persons (2009). The youth and female
predominates the population (52%). Youth population (under 20 years) constitutes 59% while
those under 15 years constitute 47 % of the population. The elderly, aged over 65 years
constitute 3.7%.

3.6.2 Population Distribution

Asego division has a population of 45 persons per square kilometer. The rural population
constitutes 296,126 while the urban population is only 61, 1047.

The infant mortality rates stands at 137/1000 while children under five year’s mortality is 213/1000.
Mortality estimates indicate increasing trend since 1990s with infant mortality remaining higher than
child mortality and lower than the under five mortality. Causes of high infants’ mortality have been
identified as malaria, respiratory infections, measles, unsafe home delivery, unsafe drinking water, poor
sanitation, diarrhea, HIV AIDs, malnutrition and intestinal infection. (DEAP, 2009)

Division Population Density

Male Female Total (pers./km sqr)
Rangwe 37,000 43,000 80,000 300
Asego 37,000 39,000 76,000 362

Table 1; shows population distribution of the area

Source; District Environment Action Plan 2009

3.7 Economic activities
The economy is constituted of public and private sector workers, fish traders, fishermen, the
business community and the informal sector. There are a total of 67,040 households with average
household size of 5.0. Agriculture contributes 52% of household income while rural self-
employment contributes 15%, wage employment 3% and urban self-employment contributes
23%. Agriculture and livestock supports most people.

Lake Victoria is a major tourist attraction although it has not been exploited by establishing
tourism facilities like; high-class hotels and lodges, camping sites and water sports.

3.8 Natural Resources

3.8.1 Fisheries resource

Lake Victoria water which is 16.5 km sqr is the main source of fish in the district .other sources
of fish include wetlands and streams and fish ponds. The main fishery production system is
capture fisheries in Lake Victoria. Others include fish farming. There are eight landing beaches
that serve 800 fishermen with 668,000kgs (2000) (NEMA, 2009)

3.8.2 Aquatic vegetation

The lake shore is dominated by Sesbaniasesban tree species within the littoral zone. The sedges,
Cyperusesculentus, the cuttail, Typhaspp, and the Juncusspp are dominant in the lake’s littoral
zone. Other species include Phragmitesmauritianus, Cyperus rotundas, Typhadomogensis, vossia
cuspidate and Mariseuslongibracteautus. Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus) is the most dominant
aquatic plant of the lakeside vegetation.

3.8.3 Invasive weeds

The following are the most common invasive species in the district

 Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)

 The Nile cabbage (Pistoia stratiotes)
 The water fern (Salvinia molesta)
 Hippo grass (Vossia cuspudata)
3.8.4 Status and Trends of Water Resources
Rainfall is on the decline, more erratic, irregular and unpredictable. There are three sources of
water supply with a production capacity of 3 million litres per day but only producing 1.8 million
liters per day due to electgromechanical problems. The supply is designed to serve 15000
residents of Homa-bay town with 1100 legal and 2100 illegal connections.

Other sources of water supply are supplies by piped schemes, roof catchments, boreholes and
shallow wells in institutions such as Kuoyo Kochia secondary school water supply, Ogande girls’
secondary school. Springs and shallow well dry up during drought. Boreholes discharges are
good but due to decline in rainfall, they at times experience poor yields. Earth pans and dams
have experienced siltation hence reduced carrying capacity. Wetlands have reduced in size due to
encroachment.

3.8.5 Regulatory and Management Arrangement

The water policy and the water act 2002 among other regulatory frameworks guide the water use
in the area. The water policy has objectives aimed at

 Preserving, conserving and protecting available water resources

 Allocating water in a sustainable, rational and economic way
 To supply water of good quality and in significant quantities
 To meet the various water needs while ensuring safe disposal of wastewater and
environmental protection.

In the water act 2002, the ministry establishes an efficient institutional framework to achieve a
systematic development and management of water sector, develop a sound and sustainable
financing system for effective water resources management, water supply and sanitation
development. The water policy objectives intend to bring about a culture that promotes
comprehensive water resource management and development with the private sector and
community participation as the prime movers in the process to guarantee sustainability. This
strategy would ensure the Government’s role would largely be to provide policy guidelines for
the sector.
3.8.6 Main Water Uses
Water is an important environmental good for the area as its uses are diverse in areas that
include; washing, bathing and watering livestock. Water is also used for industrial purposes,
waste disposal and cleaning and media of transport in Lake Victoria. Small irrigation projects in
the area also use water from the small streams and wetlands.

3.8.7 Impacts of Water Uses and Demand on Environmental and Natural Resources;
Lake Victoria water quality has declined over the years due to eutrophication arising from the
increased inflow of nutrients into the lake, which have resulted into high algal population and
blooms that causes taste and odour problems , water hyacinth proliferation, high water treatment
cost, algal toxins, deoxygenation and associated pathogens.,

Lack of adequate sanitary disposal facilities for faecal waste in the urban and market centers
have had significant effects on water quality in the area, both in the lake and in the other water
sources. Homa bay county Town has no functioning sewage system. Many of the centers located
next to streams and Lake Victoria contributes significantly to lake pollution.

Siltation of water resources in the area arise out of poor farm management and soil erosion. These
include cultivation of river frontage, lake shore and large scale exposure of the soil; characterized with
higher amount of sheet and gulley erosion.

Source Status Usage Challenges/threat Proposed

intervention
Quantity Quality Domestic Receding lake Monitoring the
Lake 4% Poor Industrial level quality
Victoria Livestock Pollution
Fishing Water hyacinth
Irrigation Encroached show
Table 2; Status of Lake Victoria,

Source: Homa-bay DEAP, 2009-2013

3.8.8 Wetlands Resources
Wetlands include the shore of lake Victoria, Oluch, Samunyi and Angalo lowlands, and Kanaam
(Ombogo region). They are environmentally sensitive areas and home to a wide variety of both
aquatic and terrestrial life.Wetland perform specialized ecological functions such as water
purification, reduction of sediments load and providing habitat for fish, birds and other animals.
Wetlands in the area are highly disturbed through agricultural activities, infrastructure
development (road construction) and harvesting of plant materials. However, areas that are
inaccessible, mainly wetlands fringing the river mouths and Lake Victoria littoral areas still have
variety of plant species well represented.

Agricultural activities are undertaken in and around the wetlands. This has resulted in draining
some of the wetlands and excessive harvesting of water. Local communities also use these
wetlands for grazing during the dry periods. Other threats to wetlands include pollution due to
fertilizer application on farms, planting inappropriate tree in the wetlands, water catchment
destruction hence reduced recharge and siltation in wetlands.
 CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 Research Methodology

This chapter discusses the design and methodology of the study focusing on population
description, nature and source of data, sampling frame, sample size and sampling methods;
methods of data collection, analysis and presentation

4.1 Population Description

This study identified categories of people who provided the necessary information needed during
the field survey. The main target population was the residents of Homa-Bay district living
around the lake.

The institutions included the relevant: National Government Departments, the County
Government Departments, lead agencies, Non-governmental Organizations, Community Based
Organizations among others.

4.2 Nature of Data

In order to achieve the objectives, particularly objectives one, two and three of this study, data
was collected. Primary data was collected during the actual field survey, and they include the
locals’ views and opinions on the socio-economic effects of water hyacinth and its management,
the authorities’ analysis of the management options effectiveness; the locals, relevant institutions
and other organizations view on stakeholders’ involvement in the management of the weed.

Secondary was also used, and they include relevant published and unpublished information on
the socio-economic effects of the weed, challenges and prospects of various management options
and the level of stakeholders’ involvement.

4.3 Sources of Data

4.3.1 Primary Data

This kind of data was obtained from households within the beaches in Homa-Bay District as well
as institutions including; Lake Victoria Management Project II; Kenya Agricultural Research
Institute- Kibos, National Environment Management Authority, Water Resource Management
Authority, and other relevant institutions. The people that were interviewed included the fisher-
fork community, the beach management leaders, directors; deputy directors and head of the
department of the above mentioned institutions.

4.3.2 Secondary Data

This data was obtained from several secondary sources including books; journals, magazines,
reports, District Environmental Action Plan and other policy documents; this lead to visitation of
libraries and document centers in the relevant government departments and agencies.

4.4 Sample Design

This was carried out at specific beaches within Homa-Bay area where the socio-economic effects
of the weed is directly felt and are the entry point to the management initiatives. The institutions
were selected based on their works’ relation with the utilization and management of the lake.

4.5 Sample Frame and Sample Size

Macullagh 2008 defines sampling frame as the statistical population from which to take a
sample. In addition to a well defined target population, the other means of ensuring an
adequately chosen and representative sample is the use of a complete and correct sampling frame
that locates individuals within the target population (Majale, 2001).Homa-Bay District is fairly
densely populated due to its proximity to the lake ecosystem which ensures availability of water
and food resources, besides; the beaches have a mixed gender working in the fishing business.
Consequently, both cluster and simple sampling methods was used.

Four clusters were selected for the purpose of interview and administering questionnaire. Ngegu
Beach with approximately 150 households out of which 15 households was selected by a simple
random sampling for interview, Kananga Beach with approximately 100 households out of
which 10 households was selected for interview by simple random sampling, The Homa-Bay
pier and the adjacent beaches with an approximated 200 households out of which 20 households
was also selected for interview or fill in the questionnaires. Simple random sampling ensures that
all elements (households) in the study area have equal chances of inclusion in the sample.
4.6 Methods of Data Collection
Directly administered questionnaires and oral interview was conducted among the households
and resource persons in the various relevant institutions. Two different questionnaires were used
to accomplish the study; one for the randomly households, and another for the institutions. The
questionnaires were mostly open ended to enable the respondents give responses that accurately
represent their opinions and experience in relation to the socio-economic effects of water
hyacinth and the stakeholders involvement in its management. Some questions were however
closed ended in order to get relevant information and save time.

Focus group discussion was conducted in order to clarify issues and provide information not
covered in the questionnaires. The problems on the ground were captured through observation
and photographs. Visits were made to the relevant institutions for secondary information which
were printed photocopied and filled through email.

4.7 Methods of Data Analysis and Presentation

Various methods and techniques of data analysis and presentation have been used to achieve the
purpose and objectives of the study. They include descriptive and qualitative techniques;
Descriptive analysis used; proportions, percentages and averages to arrive at the general picture
from which conclusions are made. Qualitative methods on the other hand include the use of
statistical tables, bar graphs, maps and other diagrams suitable for such analysis and presentation.

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

5.1 Socio-Economic Impacts of Water Hyacinth Infestation in Lake Victoria Ecosystem.

Water hyacinth has brought a number of negative and positive impacts on the community of
Homa-bay lake shore; nonetheless, its negative impacts have been serious and varied as
discussed below:
First, the decaying weeds make the water very dirty and the community cannot therefore use it
for their household activities. These make them experience water shortage and from the
consumption of contaminated water, they end up with very many water related diseases.
Consequently, they spend a lot of their little income in buying water and in treatment. The
diseases are mostly malaria and typhoid, the water hyacinth act as a very good breeding ground
for the mosquitoes causing malaria.

Secondly, the fishermen are suffering a lot since their fishing activity can cannot go on in the
lake when the infestation is in its peak; the weed destroys the fishing nets and blocks the entry to
the lake, the fishermen at the pier in Homa-Bay confirmed that they shift to other activities when
the weed covers the lake, and there is scarcity of fish during that period. The scarcity of fish
means that there is malnutrition as the community depends on fish as their major source of
protein.

Furthermore, the fishermen are attacked by dangerous snakes that live in the weed besides the
skin diseases they get when they venture into the lake. The farmers who are also a considerable
number in the area as illustrated by the chart below complained a lot about some insects which
they suspect come from the water hyacinth attacking their crops especially the vegetables.
Florence Achieng’ Nyong’idi a female farmer with her vegetable farm stretching along the
Ngegu Beach particularly complained of some beetle like insects boring into her tomatoes. She
further confirmed that the weed blown by the current from the lake and deposited in the farm
forced her to abandon her farm along the shore. Her livelihood has significantly been disrupted
due to the presence of the weed since farming is her only source of income and the now only
farm available cannot support her family.
Figure 1; Occupation of the respondents

Source: Field Data, 2014

More still, the Homa-bay water company complained of high cost of water treatment arising due
to the presence of water hyacinth in the lake, besides, the weeds block the water pumps from at
their intake point in the lake. This gives them a lot of difficulty in the whole process of water
treatment. It is worth noting however that the weed also come with various benefits to the
community, they nonetheless contend that the negatives impacts of the weed are far much more
adverse than its positive impacts. The following are some of the benefits;

Some communities use the weed as fertilizer and for mulching especially the pineapple farmers
around Rangwe division. Nam Progressive Group a CBO at Ngegu Beach according to a NEMA
officer based in Homa-Bay was said to have
deposited close to 50,000ksh in their bank account,
courtesy of water hyacinth sale.

Making furniture and artifacts; it can be utilized in

various activities for the benefits of the community.
This photo shows that water hyacinth can be utilized
 for other alternative socio-economic activities that will lead to financial income to the
community. As evident in the picture, the chairs are comfortable and pleasant.

Plate 1; photo showing some of the furniture made using water hyacinth, they are
displayed for sale along Kisumu-Nairobi High Way.

Source: photo taken at the field. 2014

The weed is also Source of income for the fishermen who extract baits from it which they later
sale to other fishermen using it to for fishing; Focus
group discussion was conducted with fishermen,
BMU members and business women and men; who
specialize in the fish species used as bait for fishing
the big Nile Perch. This discussion with the business
people sought to explore the benefits that the
communities get due to the presence of water

Hyacinth.

Plate 2; shows a fisherman looking for The fish used as baits that are locally called
the bait under Hippo Grass and water Nyapus or Dek are a source of income to these business
hyacinth.
people who actually earn their living from it. The chain
Source; photos taken at the field has three middle men before it reaches the final user
during data collection.
who normally very rich individuals with very many and
large boats. The first in the chain are fishermen who catch the fish under the roots of
water hyacinth, they then sell them to business women at 2 ksh when the catches are
good, and 4ksh when they are low. The women then sell the baits to the agents of boat
owners at a cost of 2ksh on top of their buying price, and the agents finally sell them to
the boat owners at a cost of between 8-10 ksh. The boat owners use the bait to catch Nile
Perch of up to 30kg and sell to Capital Fish Industry the fish at a cost of 180ksh per kg.
Other benefits include;
 The water hyacinth provide the fish with breeding areas besides blocking fishermen
thereby giving the fish time to reproduces- it serves to control fishing and protects the
lake,
  Some communities use the Hippo grass that grows on water hyacinth in feeding animals
during dry season.
 The fish catch becoming abundant for some period after the disappearance of the weed,
and subsequently slight increase in income from the sale of fish then,
 Decrease in the price of mud fish as it is many during that period.
 As a result of reduction in the fish catch the price of vegetables go high due to high
demand,

5.1.1 Causes Attributed to the Proliferation of the Weed.

A number of causes have been attributed to the presence of water hyacinth in the Lake Victoria
ecosystem, it was imperative to understand the communities’ perception on the cause of the
weed proliferation in the area. Their responses on this were varied and interesting as most of the
respondents were of the opinion that; the weed is being blown by wind and maintained at the
shore of the lake, the community argue that there is no lake current to disperse the weed back
into the water away from the Homa-Bay shore.

A half of the total respondents however said that the water around the Homa-Bay show is
shallow due to siltation- this therefore anchors the weed, while about the same number pointed
out at the Mbita course way which they said interferes with the lake current making it to be
uniformly distributed in the lake. The neighboring shores where the current cannot reach tend to
have stable waters that give the water hyacinth a good environment to proliferate. About 18% of
the total respondents on the other hand blame the proliferation of the weed on pollution from the
decaying weed and nutrients from the neighboring towns and from agricultural activities around
the lake shore.

The result from the data points at an information/knowledge gap as whereas the literature from
the area of study points at rapid pollution of the lake by sewage from neighbouring towns and
nutrients from agricultural activities and households as the main sources of water pollution- and
consequently water hyacinth proliferation, most of the community members understand it
differently that it’s the wind that blows the weed to their show and that is what brings the weed.

The field data support the information from literature on the pollution of the lake;
5.1.2 Pollution of the Lake from Household Activities Such Washing, Bathing and Urban
Sewage and Effluents in the Lake

Socio-economic activities that occur at the lake has been a significant source of lake pollution in
the area, the community wash at the lake and bath there, this however contributes to the pollution
of the water bodies as that is the case even along the main rivers feeding the lake. The nutrients
that feed into the lake are the main food for the weed promoting its proliferation. To compound
that matter, Motorbikes are also washed in the lake leading to more pollution and the oils from
the engine interfering with the aquatic life. This is very serious in most beaches along the lake
shore as shown by the photo taken at the shore just below the Homa-Bay sewage lagoons. The
photos below illustrate what occurs along many of the lake shores.

Plate 11 & 12; pollution of the lake by household activities.

Source; photos taken at the field during data collection.
Urban sewage has been
documented as the key source of nutrients that feed into the Lake Victoria. With the established
and the upcoming urban areas, the situation is set to be very worse and the problem of water
hyacinth proliferation in the lake will definitely be a lost battle if what the photos below illustrate
continues as it now is.
Plate 12 & 13; pollution of the lake by sewage effluent, and water hyacinth growing in the
treatment lagoon.

Source: photos taken from the field during data collection.

They show Homa-Bay town sewage lagoon covered with water hyacinth. The area has five
lagoons with the first to the third one covered entirely with water hyacinth, while the fourth and
the last one are covered with mostly water lettuce and some water hyacinth. The weed feeds
directly on the nutrients in the lagoons; it is disturbing to note that at the last lagoon the waste
water is released directly into the lake at the same stage, water hyacinth can still grow. This
means that nutrients that support water hyacinth growth are directly released into the lake

It is imperative to note nonetheless that the understanding of most members of the community on
the water hyacinth proliferation is equally a significant contributing factor for the constant
presence of the weed in Homa-bay shore.

The 32% representing the 40 years and above as illustrated by the age proportion chart below,
however are analytical and tend to give the chronological account of water hyacinth in lake
Victoria, they understand the causal chain and prefers a systematic approach that addresses the
anthropogenic activities contributing to the water hyacinth proliferation. Most of them also
favour integrated approach in the control of the weed.
Figure 2; Age Proportion of the Respondents.

Source; Field data, 2014

Of great concern is that, 65% do not understand how their occupation can contribute to the water
hyacinth proliferation; this is largely due to the reason that most of them were fishermen,
however about 7% of the interviewed fishermen understood that the waste water and solid waste
they produce and use respectively in their activity when released back into the lake or dumped
carelessly, may end up contributing to the nutrients in the lake that the weed feed on. This was
supported by the some farmers and car cleaners, all operating around the lake shore.19 % of the
interviewed respondents did not respond to this question.
Figure 3; a chart showing the contribution of various occupations to the water hyacinth
proliferation

Source: Field. Data, 2014

During the absence of the weed, the community experiences a significant change in their
livelihood and they are far much more advantageous both socially and economically beyond
comparison with any benefit that may be there due to the weed’s presence. During that period,
they have:

 Clean water-access to water for households as well as animals,

 Transport to other areas through the lake,
 Fresh atmosphere,
 Fishing as an activity goes on and the fish business is carried out well,
 Irrigation and water intake for treatment is smoothly taking place,
 The fishermen have easy time accessing the lake,
 Presence of some species of fish that cannot survive in a water hyacinth polluted water;
such as Tilapia and Nile perch
 The boats dock easily,
  Decrease in malaria disease,
 Food is available and there is income.

5.2. Measures Undertaken For the Management and Control of Water Hyacinth in the
Lake Victoria Ecosystem, Homa-Bay District.
A number of various measures have been undertaken within the Lake Victoria ecosystem address
the problem of water hyacinth. Among the measures include various institutions that have the
conservation and management mandate of the lake ecosystem operating in various areas
including the lake shore of Homa-Bay district. These institutions have undertaken various
activities as discussed below based on the data from the field;

5.2.1 Measures Undertaken by the Government institutions

Study indicated that the following government institutions have been involved in various
measures to manage and control the water hyacinth as well as its proliferation;

LVEMP II
Lake Victoria Management Project II was established in 1997 with a mandate of promoting
collaborative management of Trans -boundary natural resources and to reduce environmental
stress in lake Victoria Basin, as well as improving the livelihood among the communities
residing in the basin. The institution considers nutrients inflow and the prevailing wind as the
main cause of water hyacinth proliferation in lake Victoria basin, and have applied the following
control measures as given with their prospects and challenges below;

Mechanical Method
Prospects;

 It offers immediate relief and thus suitable for areas where the weed must be removed
quickly.

Challenge;

 It is most expensive method

 Limited to selected site
 Must be done continuously in if the weed is not checked by other means
  Not suitable due to very high operating cost.

Biological Control Method

Prospects;

 It is effective on lakes and other water bodies where water is not fast flowing and it offers
long term control.

Challenges;

 It is not very effective in riverine environments, or in highly eutrophic waters or where

most plants are rooted,
 Control by weevil manifest 2-4 years after release and thus not suitable for situation
where weed must be removed quickly.

Chemical Method
Though this has not been implemented anywhere by the agency, the following was the response
regarding the method;

Prospects;

 It is always effective and provides immediate result

Challenges;

 May contribute to eutrophication of water from the sinking biomass of dying weed into
the water,
 May affect the quality of the drinking water,
 It is expensive and must be repeatedly applied,
 May interfere with biological control when the weevil larvae and pupae sink with the
dying/dead plants.
Manual Control Method
Prospects;

 Results are immediate especially on small infestation

Challenges;

 It is tedious and ineffective on large fields of water hyacinth hence un sustainable,

 It only offers temporary relief and it is expensive.

On the issue of sewerage and chemical pollution that continues to be washed into the lake, the
organization has plans underway to rehabilitate sewerage systems in Kisumu, Homa-Bay and
Bomet. They also control point sources pollution in identified various hotspots through provision
of bio-toilet, implementation of sustainable land use management plans and promotion of
sustainable watershed management.

The general challenges are lack of sustainable funding mechanism from the government and lack
of water hyacinth coordination unit. With regard to stakeholders’ involvement, they work in
coordination with the following institutions;

i. Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) - They involves them in problem

identification, capacity building, and programe planning and project implementation.
ii. Kenya Marine & Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) - It is involved in problem
identification, capacity building, and programe planning and project implementation.
iii. Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) - Project implementation
iv. County Government of Kisumu- Project implementation.

Finally, the organization prefers biological control as the effective method to be embraced in
water hyacinth control.
Water Resource Management Authority, Lake Victoria South Catchment Area
Established in 2002 by the Water Act, 2002, it has the following mandate;

 Water resources management within the Lake Victoria basin,

 Water resources conservation,
 Coordination of stakeholders’ participation within the basin to promote effective
management of water resources,
 Pollution control.

The institution contends that concentration of pollutants around the Winam Gulf due to its
narrowness coupled by the manner in which then gulf is shielded from the continental wind are
the main factors leading to the water hyacinth proliferation within the area. The pollutants
provide it with fertile environment for growth, while the lack of wind to scatter it makes it to stay
long in the area. They have not tried any of the control measures and as such did not comment on
their challenges and prospects. However, they support dischargers to develop and implement
Effluent Discharge Control Plan to abate pollution and prefer mechanical method backed by
political good will.

Challenges:

 Climate change; lake dynamism and complexity,

 Wind blowing and scattering the weed deep into the water during removal
 Inadequate funds and,
 Lack of political goodwill

The institution partners with the following organizations:

i. Water Resource Users Associations (WRUA) - Collaboration in management at the level

of project planning and implementation.
ii. Catchment Area Advisory Committee (CAAC) -They advice the WRMA at the stages of
problem identification, capacity building and project planning.
Lake Victoria Basin Development Authority`
Established in 1997 by the Lake Basin Development Act, CAP 442 ACT of Parliament, the
authority has the mandate of planning, coordinating, implementing and monitoring development
projects for the socio-economic empowerment of the community living in the lake basin.

Their role in relation to water hyacinth include ; to carry out a study on land use practices and
provide alternative/best solution through advocacy and to promote fish farming and growth as an
alternative source of fish and livelihood when the hyacinth fills the lake.

The cause of water hyacinth proliferation according to the authority is eutrophication of the
aquatic environment of the lake, use of fertilizer in the upper catchment areas and the residue
washed down are received by the lake. Others are, discharge of untreated effluent into the water
bodies by industries and urban centers and prevailing favourable condition,

The following are the assessment of prospects and challenges of various control measures, as
given by the lake basin development authority.

Mechanical Method

Prospects;

 It helps in controlling the spread of the weed and can do a large area within a short time.

Challenges;

 The method does not harvest the hyacinth wholly from the root- it instead breaks the stem
and leaves and they find their way back into the water hence returning the nutrients back
into the water.

Biological Method
Prospect;

 The weevils are hosting specific however the authority questioned the validity of that-
this calls for more research or effective information sharing.

Challenges:
  The weevil may turn to other broad leaves including vegetables in the farm,
 Not so sure what will be of the weevils in the event that they exhaust the weed; what are
they likely to turn to?
 When the weeds decay, they get back to the water reintroducing the nutrients that support
them.

Chemical Method

Prospect;

 It is effective and can give immediate results by killing the weed instantly.

Challenges;

 Chemicals may interfere with biodiversity in the lake,

 The biodegradability of the chemicals are not conclusively proven, consequently their
possibility of having chain effect in the environment is there.

Manual Control Method

Prospects;

 The weeds can be utilized for other beneficial uses such as making of artifacts, manure
and energy.

Challenges;

 The leaves are when dumped at the lake shore inappropriately, may be washed back into
the lake by surface runoffs –these will lead to the nutrients finding their way back to the
lake

The institution has no mandate over the sewage and chemical pollution so they have not done
any specific activity to address them however; they carry out community awareness and
education. They operate within the framework of CAP 442 of Parliament that gives them the
broad powers to manage waters of the lake to ensure sustainability and work closely with other
government agencies, some of the institutions it partners with are;
 i. Ministry of Environment, Water and Natural Resources- their role is that of policy
formulation
ii. National Environment Management Authority- coordination of environmental
management activities, they involve them in the stages of capacity building and program
planning.
iii. KMFRI-they carry out research concerning fish and fish management
iv. LVEMP II-they fund management projects, carry out capacity building, monitoring and
evaluation of such projects.
v. VIRED INTERNATIOAL- carries out researches that help them in problem
identification within the lake basin,

The authority recommends and plans to establish an integrated programme as an alternative

control measure. This will involve; establishment of a demonstration farm of water hyacinth,
harvest water hyacinth wholly, establish a factory system to generate power, [bio-fuel] out of it,
use the refuse from factory as organic manure and use some harvested weed for cottage industry
to make artifacts for the socio-economic benefit of the community. They further propose
formulation of a legislation to address invasive species in Kenya, including aquatic weeds. The
challenge they are experiencing now with regard to this project is how to get a demonstration
plot to carry out the pilot project.

Kenya Agricultural Research Institute- Kibos

KARI-Kibos, formerly the National Fiber Research Center was established in 1946-April, it was
included as an Agricultural department by the Agriculture Act CAP 318 before KARI took over
the management in 1989. It has a mandate of carrying out research on agricultural activities,
inputs and sharing the best and tested practices with the farmers. Like the WRMA, the institution
too believes that the prevailing wind contributes a lot to the presence of water hyacinth in the
Winam Gulf; including the Homa-Bay shore. The institution implements the biological control
method whose prospects and challenges area as follows;

Prospects;

The biological agents generate faster as the weed and its is effective in the control of the weed;
for instance, in November 1999, a total of 2,200 hectors of the lake was covered by the weed and
when the weevils were introduced to control it in February 2000, the area reduced to 400 hectors
within a period of 5 years. Eight community rearing units were established where 100,000
weevils were reared and 80,000 were later released to 30 sites in Lake Victoria between the years
1999 and 2000, this was done in schools with trained Teachers. By December 2013, 16
additional rearing units had been established, among them are; Sango-Rota beach, Seka beach,
Ngegu beach, Koginga beach, Asembo Bay Kamito, Kokach and Kaloka in Kisumu.

A discussion with the fishermen at Ngegu Beach, sought to ascertain the challenges and
prospects of various control measures that they participated in.They have participated in manual
removal with Nam Progressive Group, and biological control method under their BMU. While
they approve of the manual method as being more effective, they seemed to doubt the prospects
of biological method saying that it takes long as it is slow, and the weevils turn to feed on their
vegetables. However, KARI has established a
rearing site at their beach.

Plate 3: shows a rearing site of weevils at Ngegu Beach

Source; photos taken at the field.

KARI experiences the following challenges with regard to biological control;

 It is slow,
 It is very costly,
 The larvae feeds on the stem only while the adult feeds on the leaves,
 The decaying hyacinth is food for the Hippo Grass which presently is the menace
Plate 4 & 5. Shows the KARI-Kibos weevils rearing site within their institution. Explaining
is Mr. Aggrey Owuor, deputy officer in charge of the project.

Source: photos taken at the field during field study

On the chemical method, the institution said that it was banned in East Africa, while manual
method they introduced to compliment the biological method in critical areas such as beaches
and landing sites. To address the issue of sewage and chemical pollution, they have formed a
secretariat where all stakeholder institutions report their challenges besides sensitizing the
communities, CBOs and BMUs. KARI operate based on LVEMP II project in the control of
water hyacinth and experience, they face the following challenges;

 Re-infestation from dams, irrigation schemes and pollution from sewage effluents being
drained into the lake.
 Lack of political good will
 Poor awareness among the community members

KARI prefers Biological method augmented with Manual and Mechanical methods and
partner with the following institution; Lake Victoria Environment Management Project
(LVEMP), Water Resource Management Authority (WRMA) and Department of Fisheries in
Homa-Bay. Whereas the stakeholders’ participation is fairly good but the level of
information sharing is low.
5.2.2 Legal provisions for the management of water hyacinth in Lake Victoria ecosystem,
Kenya

The following are the legal framework the guides that the above institutions have depended on to
control water hyacinth in Lake Victoria ecosystem;

The Constitution of Kenya (2010) specifically provides for the management of Environment
and Natural resources in part 2, sections 69-72 in respect to obligations by state and citizens,
enforcement of environmental rights, Agreements relating to natural resources and legislation
relating to environment.

The Land Policy (2007) This Policy guides the country towards efficient, sustainable and
equitable use of land for both prosperity and posterity. It provides an overall framework and
defines the key measures required to address issues such as; land administration, access to land
and land use planning, etc. This is relevant because poor land use leads to erosion that discharges
nutrients into water bodies enriching them with nutrients that support water hyacinth
proliferation.

The National Water Policy (1999) defines how waters in Kenya are utilized and managed. The
policy is relevant to water hyacinth management through the conservation and regulatory
instrument provided therein.

Environment Management and Coordination Act (1999) is the principal environmental

legislation in Kenya. EMCA sets the legal framework for environment and natural resources
management. It is comprehensive legislation that harmonized environmental legislation
previously found in pieces within the national laws of the country. EMCA defined and created
the institutional arrangements for environment management – the National Environment
Management Authority (NEMA); the latter is mandated to coordinate other relevant Sectoral
laws and institutions engaged in environmental and natural resources conservation.

The Water Act (2002) is the principal legislation governing protection, development and
management of water resources in Kenya. This legislation provides diverse safeguards to protect
water resources and the implementation of water hyacinth control could be one of such
safeguards.
Suppression of Noxious Weeds Act (1983) Cap 379 Laws of Kenya provides the Minister
with power to declare a plant to be a noxious weed in any area or in the whole of Kenya. This is
very relevant to the implementation of the strategy

The Agriculture Act (Cap 318) Seeks to promote and maintain a stable farming environment,
to provide for the conservation of the soil and its fertility and to stimulate the development of
agricultural land in accordance with the accepted practices of good land management and good
husbandry and the encouragement of good land use would prevent land degradation that would
pollute water and encourage weeds proliferation.

5.2.3 Measures Taken by the Homa-Bay Community to Control the Weed and their
Preferred Control Measures

The community organized themselves into BMUs, CBOs to control the weed so that they can
continue with socio-economic benefit from the lake; some members of the community mostly
the fishermen, have also undertaken some control measures manually while they are out in the
lake trying to navigate or collecting some water from the lake. The chart below shows the
participation in the control of water hyacinth among the respondents;

Figure 4; percentage of respondents who have participated in the control of the weed.
Source; Field Data, 2014

The data showed that 58% of the total respondents have acted either as individuals which is 33%
or as a group under BMUs and CBOs -67%. The people who have removed the weed as an
individual did so while they went for bathing, fetching water fishing-during navigation, while
those who did it under groups were either mobilized by their leaders on their own initiative or
after receiving funds from organizations. Those who have not done anything to reduce the
weeds; that constitute 42%, sited its extent and massiveness that was so discouraging, rendering
them helpless.

It is imperative to draw from the above finding that only 33% of the community population can
take initiative to control the proliferation of the weed without financial inducement hence
showing the percentage of the population with environmental value. 67% however require
assistance to undertake the control measures; this assistance could be in the form of finance,
facilities, knowledge, and education among other motivations.

Manual method of water hyacinth control is popular among the community, followed by
mechanical then biological control measures. Chemical control option has not been implemented
in the area and the communities were also opposed to its trial fearing that the aquatic biodiversity
could be killed by the chemical.
Figure 5; knowledge of various control measures of water hyacinth among the respondents

Source: Field data, 2014

The biological method was implemented since 2002 according to the community, while
mechanical method was tried at Homa bay Pier around 2000 when the weed blocked the shore; it
was unsuccessful and the project was abandoned after two day when the machine broke up.
Manual method which is popular and fresh among many was implemented in 2011 under
LVEMP II projects with the fund from World Bank.On the effectiveness of each method, the
community responded as follows;
Figure 6; Effectiveness of the various control measures,

Source: Field data, 2014

Most of the respondents ’ 55% rate manual removal as effective due to the benefits that they get
from that approach, namely;

 The weed can be used to make artifacts after removal,

 Can be used as fertilizer in the farms,
 The weed is taken out of water hence they remain with clean water and finally,
 They feed their animals with the hippo grass.

Biological is also supported by a considerable percentage; 19%. This is due to the fact that they
still do not understand well how it operates. Whereas they understand that it can do a large area,
they say the weevils are slow and the destroyed weeds decay into the water taking back the
nutrients that support their growth into the water. Mechanical method has similar disadvantage of
nutrients decaying back into the water beside the fear that it is likely to destroy fish and other
lake fauna when used at breeding grounds. Its effectiveness is rather low at 10%; this is due to
the fact that most respondents have least idea on various mechanical methods and how they
work. The one that was implemented did fail and so they did not have the opportunity to see it
work. 16 % of the respondents however does not approve of any control method as effective. To
them, all these methods have failed.

Keeping with the principle of consultation and public participation, the respondents were
therefore given the opportunity to propose the control measures they would want adopted in the
control of water hyacinth. The chart below represents their suggestions;

Figure 7; level of preference of various control measures among the respondents,

Source: Field data, 2014

The data shows that 32% of the community prefers Manual removal, this is due to the following
reasons as given by the respondents, and the method is;

 Direct, fast and has the capacity to employ people,

 It is effective compared to other methods,
 It is environmentally friendly,
 It requires an establishment of factory or cottage industry to utilize the weed in making
valuable things like artifacts and
 Provision of organic fertilizer.
 Leaves water clear.
Mechanical method on the other hand is favoured by 16%; the same percentage preferring a
combination of manual and biological method because it is fast and can do a large area within a
short time hence saving labour. Biological is second among the preferred methods with 23%
showing its prospect in addressing the weed, however the community least understand its mode
of operation, and they fear that the weevils will turn to their horticultural crops. It’s favoured due
to its ease of implementation; it therefore requires patience and active participation and support
from the community in raring of the weevils before they are released into the lake.

A combination of the various primary methods also got a considerable endorsement from the
community, with an integration of manual and biological method having the higher support
relative to the manual and mechanical method which was supported by 13% of the respondents.

5.3 The Level of Stakeholders’ Involvement in the Management of Water Hyacinth in Lake
Victoria Ecosystem, Homa-Bay Shore.
The involvement of stakeholders, particularly the community in the management of water
hyacinth is very important for the success on any project aimed at reducing its proliferation.
From the above control methods that have been implemented in the area, it was important to
understand from the community how far they have been involved in the management of the
water hyacinth the following chart illustrates the response of those interviewed
Figure 8; Stakeholders’ involvement in the management of the weed,

Source: Field data, 2014

Only 48% of the total respondents have been involved in the various control measures of water
hyacinth, while 52% have not been involved. Of the people who have been involved, it was
imperative to know at what stage of the process were they involved keeping in tune with the
project cycle where stakeholders should be involved at all stages especially in the planning stage;
the main aim of these is to achieve the adequate success of any project and the following was the
response as summarized in the chart below;

Figure 9; Evaluation of stages of involvement in the control of the weed,

Source: Field data, 2014

Data shows that most of the organizations/institutions involve the stakeholders at the
implementation stage of the control measures aimed at reducing water hyacinth proliferation in
Lake Victoria. A few of them involve them at the planning stage where the solution to a problem
is analyzed by the stakeholders. 16% of the respondents however have not been involved at any
stage; they could represent the people who take personal initiative to remove the weed on their
own.

Most of the people involved, about 40% were involved under BMUs, meaning they represent the
people who worked under LVEMP II project that was aimed at conserving the lake while
improving the livelihood of the riparian communities. The special role of NGOs has been
discussed in chapter two, to find out the level of performance on the ground of these
organizations, the field data indicates that over 80% of the respondents said that they have not
seen or heard of any NGO undertaking initiatives/programs aimed at controlling water hyacinth,

Only 20% indicated they have engaged with some of the organization through funding and
capacity building for the effective management of water hyacinth in Homa-Bay shore of lake
Victoria. Interestingly, some of them were mentioning lead agencies such as LVEMP II as
NGOs. The only qualified organizations that featured therefore are;

PLAN INTERNATIONAL-involved in funding control activities and capacity building in the

community and RED CROSS- involved in the rescue operations when fishermen are marooned
by the weed in the lake.

The various institutions whose interventions to control the weed evaluated in the second
objective of the study, should actually and as principle create awareness among the community
as well as involving them in the implementation of their management interventions. Doing this
will obviously make the community members aware of these institutions, their roles in relation to
the water hyacinth control as well as the activities they are undertaking. The result of awareness
of the institutions as illustrated by the following chart is quite disturbing and indicates that more
work need to be done by these institutions in relation to this matter.
Figure 10: Awareness level of the institutions responsible for the control of the weed and
lake management.

Source: Field data, 2014

It is evident that a considerable number of the community; 55% are not aware of the government
institutions or departments that are responsible for the management of Lake Ecosystem in the
area. A focus group discussion with Kananga BMU, focusing on the level of stakeholders
revealed that they least have been involved as most of them do not even know the alternative
uses of the weed as other BMUs like Ngegu. They just wrote a proposal to LVEMP II seeking to
get funding for construction of a fish Banda and sanitation facilities at the beach, and they are yet
to receive the funding. They also form most of the respondents who do not know the institutions
that have the mandate to manage water hyacinth and the lake resources
Plate 6 &7; Shows the focus group discussion with members of Kanga BMU at their fish
Banda.

Source; photos taken at the field.

This could be linked to lack of awareness that points to poor or lack of stakeholders’
involvement; it begs the question as to how often the institutions are in touch with the
community members, and to which approach they use when undertaking various management
projects in lake. 45% however seem to have the knowledge of some of these institutions, the
institutions that were mentioned by the community members include;

i. Fisheries department in Homa-Bay,

ii. County Government of Homa- Bay
iii. National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Homa, Bay,
iv. Department of Public Health, Homa-Bay,
v. Lake Victoria Environment Management Project, (LVEMP II) - A regional institution
based in Kisumu City.

It is interesting to note that the above are the institutions that the community is aware should be
responsible for the lake management and control of water hyacinth proliferation by extension.
Among them however, only LVEMP II and Fishery department are popular among the
community members. LVEMP II has undertaken initiatives to fund and monitor manual removal
of water hyacinth in the Lake area covering Homa-Bay shore, while the department deals with
the control of fishing and management of fish resources. The other mentioned departments,
whereas they work in coordination with LVEMP II, their performance seem to be less
recognized/appreciated by the community.
 CHAPTER SIX

6.0 SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS.

6.1 Summary of the Findings

Water hyacinth has various socio-economic impacts on the community in Homa-Bay, the weed
has negative as well as positive impacts, however, the negative ones are so adverse that hey
outweigh ant other benefit that the community may have from the weed. The negative impacts
can be summarized as follows; inaccessibility to the source of drinking water by livestock and
the local community, spread of diseases such as Malaria ,provision of habitat for dangerous
snakes and crocodiles, unemployment among the fishermen and fish vendors, destruction of the
fishing nets, and impeding of boat movements and impairing recreational activities. Benefits
include, using the weed to make artifacts, using it as fertilizer and harvesting of fish baits from
its roots among others.

Efforts to control the weed has been undertaken, including; biological method which is rated to
be effective but considered slow among the communities, manual method which is very much
preferred among the community members due to its immediateness and benefits that they stand
to get from it in the form of wages and materials made from the weed. Mechanical method has
been found to be immediate too especially at the landing sites. A combination of these methods
is preferred among the people; integrated with various activities and strategies.

The local community has not been adequately involved in the management of the weed with only
a few confirming participation in the implementation of various control methods. The NGOs
whose actions in various environmental issues have prominently featured backed by good
results, are sadly not undertaking any initiative to address the problem of water hyacinth in the
area.

6.2 Conclusion,

Aquatic weeds including the water hyacinth have always existed but in recent decades their
effects have been magnified by man’s more intensive use of natural water bodies-his modifying
them into canals and dams, polluting them with farm and city waste waters, introducing invasive
plants’ species into new locations among other means.
Control of the weed has proved almost impossible despite the number of methods that have been
tried in the area, as the serious negative implications of the presence of water hyacinth become
more widely recognized, the locals and institution concerned should focus their attention more
on the positive effects of the weed; water hyacinth for instance, has the ability to remove toxic
heavy metals (copper, lead, cadmium, chromium and manganese) from aqueous systems during
production of large amounts of plant biomass. It is argued that the utilization of the weed may be
the best way to control the weed because it helps to minimize the economic input, it is
environmentally sound and at the same time it provides some of the much needed resources.

The control measures that have mostly been implemented include; biological, manual and
mechanical with the manual method being popular among the community members, while
biological is mostly preferred by the institutions. These control measures have not been very
effective due to the manner in which they are implemented, inadequate funding and lack of
political good will as pointed out by the implementing agencies.

The level of stakeholders’ involvement in the implementation of these control measures is very
low and most community members are not convincingly aware of the institutions that are
responsible for the water hyacinth control and the lake ecosystem management. They besides are
not having adequate information on the alternative uses of the weed.

Non-Governmental Organizations play a critical role in promotion and funding of projects that
improve the socio-economic status and livelihood of the communities, while at the same time
promoting environmental conservation. However, few are involved in activities that directly
address the water hyacinth menace, or any alternative utilization of the weed. These therefore
calls for an integrated management of water hyacinth as addressed from the root cause and
external factors as shown in the conceptual model.

6.3 Recommendations

Towards the future as a recommendation, there is a need to review the state of the lake and its
basin both biophysically and managerially, the impact that various control measures have had in
terms of reducing the proliferation of water hyacinth. The following key areas will form part of
the recommendation for integrated management of water hyacinth.
6.3.1 Short Term Recommendations.

1. Nutrients Control
 As a way of minimizing raw sewer discharge into the rivers and lakes, there is an urgent
need to rehabilitate the sewerage system of the neighbouring towns such as; Homa-Bay
Town, Kisumu City, Bomet and other major Town centers within the lake shore.

 Establishment of constructed wetlands can be constructed in which raw or treated sewer

will pass through for further treatment prior to being discharged into the lake.

2. Institutions
 Set up a multi-stakeholder committee with the mandate of managing, suggesting and
implementing the necessary identified mechanisms and strategies to control hyacinth,
Committee members could be drawn from the various stakeholders including the County
Government, NEMA, Catchment Advisory Committees, NGOs, and CBOs and WARMA

 Set up targets and evaluating progress and formulating the necessary regulations and
policies.

 The committee should make a link with the decision makers including the political
leaders, and carry out adequate capacity building and training programmes to facilitate

 Carry out effective stakeholders’ involvement through communication, education,

participation and awareness.

 Initiate and strengthen community sensitization and information sharing among

stakeholders.

3. Control Measures

 Integrate biological, manual and mechanical method for effective result in the control of
water hyacinth.
 The implementation of the manual and mechanical method should be strategic and in line
with the prevailing wind direction and cycle that drives the weed to various beaches.
  The rearing sites at the beaches should be increased with the involvement of the BMU
and even CBOs members.

4. Disposal of Removed Water Hyacinth

 Use the removed weed in activities that can add value to the community livelihood such
as in making craft, as animal feed, biogas production and compost production

6.3.2 Long Term Recommendations

5. Research
 Carryout research into other control measures such as chemical method to have more
knowledge into their prospects and challenges.

6. Community Members
 Increased participation in the weevils rearing, embracing other income generating
activities that can be done using the weed as a raw material,

 Having positive environmental attitude that conserve the environment rather than those
that promote pollution of the water bodies.

7. Funding
 The funds meant for water hyacinth control should be used sufficiently and for the right
purpose.

 The managers should link with all levels of Government to obtain financial support for
major projects like the rehabilitation of sewerage systems within the neighbouring urban
areas.

 Seek for international funding and put down modalities that best utilizes the given funds.

8. Planning
 There should be clear priorities and phasing of the control mechanisms with sufficient
resources.
 The implementers should build relevant alliances with the right stakeholders to achieve
sustainability and acceptance.

 There should be good coordination among the institutions and application of relevant
technology where appropriate.

9. Policy Evaluation and Formulation

 Make sure local environmental policies are in sync with strategies being used,

 Making it illegal for local households to have water hyacinth in their pools, ponds,
nutrition gardens or any other places.

 Evaluate and revise the current environmental management principles and instruments to
ensure the achievement of the intended objective of protecting the river from pollution.
For example, the polluter pays principle may include payment for remedial work by the
polluter and active participation in the remedial process.
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 Appendices

Appendix 1: Questionnaire for households

BANDARI MARITIME ACADEMY

Department of Marine Studies

P.O Box 9870

Mombasa

Dear Sir/Madam

I’m carrying out a research on the challenges and prospects for effective management of water
hyacinth in the Lake Victoria ecosystem. To do this effectively, I’m therefore obliged to gather
relevant data from, local residents, governments and Non-governmental institutions concerned
with water hyacinth infestation. Please answer the following questions, giving your opinion on
issues related to water hyacinth infestation. I assure you that the answers you provide will be
treated with utmost confidentiality. Area covered- Homa-bay County,

Name [optional]

………………………………………………………………………………….
Age
Below 18 years……………..
18-40 years ( )
Years and above ( )
Occupation
Public Servant……… [ ]
Private Organization…… [ ]
Self Employed…… [ ]
Others …… [ ]
If self employed, [specify]
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
What is your perception of water hyacinth infestation in your neighborhood [ Homa-bay]
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………

Do you understand how your occupation contribute to the water hyacinth infestation
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………….
Which social effects were brought by the water hyacinth menace to your household?
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………

Which economic effects were adversely brought by water hyacinth menace to your
household?
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
Which favorable effects have your experienced from the presence of water hyacinth?
Socialeffects………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
 ………………………………………………………………………………………………
……….

Economic effects

………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………

10 What have you done as a member of Homa-bay community to reduce the negative effects of
water hyacinth
infestation?.........................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................

Are your aware of the institutions that are responsible for the control of the water
hyacinth?
Yes ( ), No ( ).
If yes, list the ones you know here bellow.
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………..

12 What control measures have been implemented to address the water hyacinth menace? (Tick
appropriately)

Chemical control………
What negative effects did you observe/experience from this
method………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
 …………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………..
What positive methods did you observe/experience from this method?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………….

Biological method
What negative effects did you observe/experience from this method?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………

What positive effects did your observe/experience from the method?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………

Mechanical method
What negative effects did you experience/observe from the method?

………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………….

Manual control method

 What were its
effectiveness,..,.......................................................................................................................
............................................................................................,...................,.............
Challenges…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………..
Which control method was effective according to you?
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
Given that the spread of the weeds has been reduced to some extent, what change have
you observed/experienced with regard to the social and economic activities?
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………..
Were you involved in the implementation of the control measures of water hyacinth?

Yes [ ]

No [ ]

If yes, at what level?

Problem identification [ ]

Planning [ ]

Program implementation [ ]

Monitoring [ ]

Evaluation [ ]

If yes still, on what capacity?

CBO [ ]
Individual [ ]
BMU [ ]
What role has been played by Non-Governmental Organizations in trying to control the
spread of water hyacinth?
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………..
What method/approach do you suggest to be adopted for effective management of water
hyacinth?
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
Appendix 2: Key Informant Questionnaire
BANDARI MARITIME ACADEMY

Department of Marine Studies

P.O Box 9870

Mombasa

Dear Sir/Madam,

I’m carrying out a research on the challenges and prospects of water hyacinth management in the
Lake Victoria ecosystem. To do this effectively, I’m therefore obliged to gather relevant data
from, local residents, governments and Non-governmental institutions concerned with water
hyacinth infestation. Please answer the following questions, giving your opinion on issues related
to water hyacinth infestation. I assure you that the answers you provide will be treated with
utmost confidentiality. Area covered-Homa Bay County,

1. Name of institution/organization

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

2. In which year was this institution/organization established?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

3. What is the mandate of this institution/organization?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
4. What causes the spread/proliferation of water hyacinth in Lake Victoria according to your
perception?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………

5. Which of these control measures did you apply in ensuring water hyacinth does not spread
further?

Mechanical method [ ]

What are the challenges?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………

What are the prospects?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Biological method [ ]

What are the challenges?

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What are the prospects?

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Chemical method [ ]

What were the challenges?

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What were the prospects?

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Manual control measure ( )

What were its

challenges ..........................................................................................................................................
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Prospects..........................................................................................................................
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How did you address the issue of sewerage and chemical pollution that continues to be washed
into the lake?

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Which legal frameworks were guiding your intervention to control water hyacinth?

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What were the general challenges that you faced while you were trying to control the water
hyacinth menace?

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Were you able to quantify the loss of revenue as a result of?

[ii] Diminishing Fish harvesting?

Yes [ ]

No [ ]

If yes, how did you do it?

How can the Hyacinth be utilized sustainably?

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Which stakeholders are you working with in the management of water hyacinth?

[Specify]

Department/organization Role Level Any comment

Key for level of involvement [indicate with the assigned alphabetical letters]

A-problem identification

B- Capacity building

C-programe planning

D- Project implementation.

What method/approach do you suggest to be adopted for best management of the water
hyacinth?