Effects of Water Hyacinth invasion of Lake Victoria on Women’s Household Activities, Karachuonyo, Homa Bay County, Kenya

Abstract

Since the encroachment of water hyacinth weed on the fringes of Lake Victoria, there has been a systematic disruption in the economic and social lives of those who live in the adjacent areas. This is because of the fact that they have over the years relied heavily on the proceeds of fishing to make a living. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to assess the effects of water hyacinth invasion on women’s livelihoods in Karachuonyo, Homabay County in Nyanza region of Kenya. The objectives of the study included the following: to determine the economic effects of water hyacinth on women’s household activities; to assess the effects of water hyacinth on women’s access to education; to determine the effects of water hyacinth on women’s access to health and to discuss the effects of water hyacinth on women’s access to social interaction in Karachuonyo Sub County of Homa Bay County. The study was guided by the Gender and Development Theory (GAD) which describes how women are involved in development but do not derive any benefit whatsoever. The researcher used a sample size of 383 respondents who were females and they were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources which included Focus Group Discussion (FGD) guide, Key Informant Interviews (KII) guide, and an unstructured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using both qualitative (content and trend analysis) and quantitative (SPSS) methods. Quantitative data was presented in form of tables and graphs while qualitative data was used to support the statistical information. Ethical considerations were observed whereby the researcher obtained a research permit from NACOSTI and ensured confidentiality to the respondents. In the research findings, it was established that indeed water hyacinth affected women’s livelihoods, especially concerning their income source and health. However, it was also established that women’s livelihoods were not significantly affected when it comes to education and social interactions. It is expected that the research results will be of benefit to both the national and county governments, non-state actors and scholars, who will take note of the findings and use them to build and widen their scope of knowledge.