An overview of the economic potential of Water Hyacinth {Eichhornia crassipes (Martius) Solms-Laubach} plant for national development

Abstract

Water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes (Martius) Solms-Laubach, is a free floating aquatic plant that is regarded as the world’s most noxious aquatic weed species. It is found in over 50 countries of the world. It causes practical problems for marine transportation by clogging creeks and lagoons, rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, dams and other freshwater bodies; and by clogging irrigation channels and canals. It also inhibits fishing activities and serves as micro-habitat for a variety of disease vectors such as malaria, schistosomiasis and lymphatic filariasis. Inspite of these disadvantages however, water hyacinth has a lot of practical uses and applications in the industry that could be harnessed for the economic development of the country. It can be used for making paper, fibreboard, furniture, basket and other handicrafts. It can also be used for making fertilizer, for water purification and for biogas production. More importantly, it can be used as a vital feed resource for feeding fish and poultry. Hence, there is the need for adequate information and enlightenment for the Nigerian populace in order to sensitize them on its potential uses so that its benefits can be fully harnessed.