Welcome to ICEF

Effective Use of Water Hyacinth for its Control and Promotion of Livelihood Security (KIDS)

•

Implementing Organization: Kottapuram Integrated Development Society (KIDS), Kottapuram.

•

Start and End Date: November 2002–June 2007.

PRODUCTIVE WEED, INDEED!

Kerala’s beauteous inland water bodies that are beneficial to the community in many ways are experiencing the presence of large floating mats of weeds called water hyacinth (Eichhonia crassipes). Its excessive growth causes problems for inland navigation, irrigation, local fishing and contaminates water for domestic purposes. The water emanates a foul mell and contains suspended particulate organic matter, making it unfit for human consumption. The mats act as a shield for natural sunlight for the underlying waters and leads to a significant reduction in dissolved oxygen concentrations. This has an adverse effect on aquatic eco systems, biodiversity, fisheries and agriculture. In the project area, the weeds have affected the aquatic biodiversity due to the absorption of large amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous and other elements. In many cases, irreversible changes are occurring in the wetland ecology. It is severely affecting the livelihoods of the fishermen in the area.

The Project is designed to develop a model of value addition to the traditional natural fiber craft using water hyacinth, leading to its control and management. In addition, it will facilitate self-supporting and participatory approaches for sustainable livelihoods of poor rural women, based on natural resources, and influence policy formulation for the management and development of inland water resources infested by water hyacinth.

The products made by the women artisans of the Self Help Groups (SHGs) are expected to become popular and receive a marketing platform through exhibitions. The Design Development

Women using water hyacinth stems for making products.

Workshops will contribute to this venture, which will lead to higher incomes for the rural women. The cost of de-weeding the water bodies will be reduced through constant interventions in the project areas. It would also encourage a dialogue on improved management practices for infested areas.

Progress in the current year

Women, who were traditionally working on screw pine products, have shown keen interest in the project. Ten SHGs have been formed. Skill up gradation workshops for weaving, spinning and

An Appreciative visitor admiring water hyacinth products.
braiding of the fiber for making hats, table mats, hand purses, mats and other products were held. The duration of skill up gradation trainings is 2 months. Environmental awareness programs were conducted at Palliport, Chennamangalam and Vedakkekkara villages under the project area. Post training, master trainers were selected. Designers from National Institute of Design (NID) Ahmedabad and National Institute of Fashion Designing (NIFT), New Delhi, will conduct a series of workshops to develop new designs. Exhibitions in important cities of the country are part of the project plan. Also in the pipeline is the development of a marketing network, which will

be managed by the federation of SHGs. Products, will be supplied for the local and international market. Indus Tree Craft Foundation, Bangalore and VKL Spices and Seasoning Ltd., have shown interest in marketing the products.