The River to River project is an international partnership between Great Lakes United, Ecole Intrument de Peix-Neg, and the Mali Alliance for the Environment. The project focuses on remedying the problems presented by the invasion of non-native water hyacinth in the Niger River where flows through sections of Niger and Mali.
The water hyacinth reproduces at a voracious rate, choking vital water ways in an already water-scarce region. The reduced flow not only limits available water, but the water hyacinth provides shelter for snakes and leeches and is a prime breeding ground for the mosquito's that spread malaria.
To fight the water hyacinth, River to River supports local efforts to remove and harvest the plant from the water. Much of the plant is composted and contributes to a doubling of the total agricultural output in the region. The hyacinth is also harvested to create baskets, mats and winnowing-basket shovels which are sold at market, bringing much-needed income to the participating community. The most recently developed use is a process whereby the plant is dried and compressed to create briquettes for cooking food. This alternative fuel means a lower reliance on firewood and charcoal, fighting the ongoing problem of desertification.
To learn more about the project, visit its website at www.projetniger.org
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