Assessment of the Socioeconomic Impacts of Water Hyacinth in the Ada Communities on the Lower Volta River of Ghana
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Issue Date
2026
Editor
Authors
Bukari, Solomon, Aduko
License
Subject
School of environment and sustainability
Abstract
Abstract The Lower Volta River provides essential ecosystem services that support livelihoods, income,and economic opportunities. However, the invasion of water hyacinth significantly hinders these
benefits. This study evaluates the ecosystem services of the Lower Volta River and the perceived
effects of water hyacinth invasion and management strategies in the Ada community in Ghana.
Data collection involved surveys, stakeholder interviews, focus group discussions, and field
observations, and was analyzed using linear regression and descriptive statistics. Key ecosystem
services include fish, prawns, clams, flood protection, and water quality for recreation. Water
hyacinth significantly affects these services (ANOVA, F=27.44, p<0.001), contributing 75.2% of
the variance in ecosystem service impacts. Communities mainly rely on physical control
measures, with minimal adoption of chemical or utilization-based approaches. The study
recommends innovative management strategies, including biological control and water hyacinth
utilization, to mitigate socioeconomic impacts and enhance sustainable ecosystem management
in Ghana. Keywords: Invasive aquatic weed, Water hyacinth, Socioeconomic effects, Control measures
Description
2026