Typhaceae in the Kano river irrigation project (west) zone and management issues

The Kano River Project, an ambitious multiple use water development project created in 1969 by the State Government is perhaps one of the most successful irrigation project in Nigeria. However, the water project is beset by a number of problems over the years. The widespread growth of the aquatic weed species, Typha angustifolia in almost the entire irrigation system has had serious impact on the livelihood of hundreds of thousands people relying on this water resource. In response, farmers and other water users affected by these weeds employed various strategies to control it, however, these measures have largely been ineffective. The present study identifies lack of knowledge about the biology of the weed in existing approaches to control the weeds, fluctuations in water-flow in the canals, pits, as well as reservoir, absence of monitoring of water condition to observe critical change, as well as the need for comprehensive review of existing water management as the key factor for addressing the weed problem and ensuring sustainable irrigation activities in the area.