+44 3308180992Gutema Godana* and Fekadu Fufa
The main problem of water bodies is the growth and expansion of Eichhornia crassipes . The spread of Eichhornia crassipes on Lake Dambal impedes the livelihoods of society that depends on it. The aim of the stu dy is to examine the impact of Eichhornia crassipes on the livelihoods of societies. Four hundred and fourteen (414) respondents were selected from all peasant associa tions found around Lake Dambal using a simple random sampling technique. Questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and the results were described in frequency counts, percentages, Chi -square (χ2), and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The results show that Eichhornia crassipes expansion was affecting the livelihoods of the society engaging their activities by depending on Lake Dambal. ANOVA showed that Eichhornia crassipes was encumbering the livelihood ac tivities of the communities in the area. Eichhornia crassipes was also used for animal fodder in the study area. However, it affected animal health and milk production. All concerning bodies including commun ities, stakeholders, government and non non-governmengovernment organizations should have to involve on removal of Eichhornia crassipes in the Lake Dambal and its surrounding through manually and mechanically.
Share this article