Abstract: The invasion of water hyacinth weed into Lake Victoria was a game changer, especially on women’s livelihoods. Since they had been accustomed to fishing-related activities, they were forced to adjust accordingly. This research therefore sought to find out how water hyacinth affects women’s livelihoods in Karachuonyo, Homa Bay County. The research was guided by the following objectives; to determine the economic effects of water hyacinth on women’s household activities in Homa Bay County; to examine the effects of water hyacinth on women’s access to education in Homa Bay County; to assess the effects of water hyacinth on women’s health in Homa Bay County. The research adopted a mixed methods research which combined both qualitative and quantitative design; to establish the effects of water hyacinth on women’s social interaction. Questionnaires were employed in collecting data and they were analyzed using SPSS and presented in form of tables, figures and percentages. At the same time, the qualitative responses were used to buttress those figures. It was established that indeed women’s livelihoods have been affected since the invasion of water hyacinth. However, there were adjustments that have been made to enable them cope up with the biting effects of the weed to their economic life. It is expected that the results will find use by scholars, the county and national government and health sectors.
Keywords: Water hyacinth, Economic effects, Homa Bay, Women.
Title: EFFECTS OF WATER HYACINTH INVASION OF LAKE VICTORIA ON WOMEN’S HOUSEHOLD ACTIVITIES, KARACHUONYO, HOMA BAY COUNTY, KENYA
Author: Irene Khabuchi, Dr. Felix M’mboyi, Dr. Odek Antony Wando
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
Research Publish Journals
