Tanzania IPM project 06: Biological control of Waterhyacinth (Eichhornia cracipes) by use of biological control agents in Tanzania.

Duration: 5 years (2000-2005)

Purpose: To establish environmental safe and sustainable long term capacity for the control of waterhyacinth and other invasive weeds in lake Victoria and other invaded water bodies through IPM strategies.

Background/Description: Biocontrol of waterhyacinth in Tanzania was initiated in Tanzania at National Biological Control Center situated at Kibaha in 1995 after introduction of two bioagents weevils Neochetina eichhornia and N. bruchi from IITA Cotonou, Benin. About 550 weevils were imported and mass reared at Kibaha in order to be released in waterhyacinth invaded water-bodies of river Zigi and Pangani in Tanga region and Lake Victoria. In 1997, water hyacinth weeds had already invaded a total of 200ha in all water bodies in the country. Mass release was done in two rivers and by 2000 the two weevil species had managed to control the problems of water hyacinth in two rivers of Zigi and Pangani which serves as a source of hydroelectric power generation. Waterhyacinth control in Lake Victoria was done by the Lake Victoria Environmental Management Project (LVEMP), which was funded by the World Bank. Biocontrol Center at Kibaha was a subcomponent within this project with major responsibilities of maintaining the weevils at their pure form and mass production for releases in all water invaded bodies in the country. Millions of weevils have been released in Lake Victoria and to-date about 80% of the waterhyacinth weeds in the Lake Victoria have been controlled through use of the two bioagent weevils.

Agroecological zones and locations: Eastern Zone in Zigi and Pangani rivers and Lake Zone in Lake Victoria, Mara and Kagera river basins

Expected Outputs: 1) Water availability to the community surrounding the lake and other invaded rivers is ensured, 2) Water navigation at the lake and rivers is resumed, Fishery activities for the community around the lake and rivers are resumed and maintained, 3) Reduced water losses caused by evapotranspiration of water hyacinth, 4) Capacity building for the project staff enhanced, 5) Reduce high risk of disease causing organisms such as bilharzia and threat of dangerous animals such as crocodiles and snakes and increased awareness to the community on the misuse of water hyacinth weeds in water bodies.

Potential Impact/Beneficiaries: 1) The economy of the community surrounding the lake and rivers will rise due to increased fishing activities; 2) Nutritional status of the people will be increased; 3) Accessible navigation in lakes and rivers; 4) The electricity failure in river Pangani will be reduced as large masses of water hyacinth which were blocking the power turbines will be reduced.

Partiners: 1) Lake Victoria Environmental Management Project; 2) Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security; 3) Ministry of Natural Resources and Fishries; 4) Ministry of Water and Livestock.

Development Investor(s): World Bank.

Principal Investigators: Mrs Beatrice Pallangyo, Mjema and Mr. E. Msami, biocontrol@africaonline.co.tz, National Biological Control Program, Tanzania.