- Lake Tana has a water hyacinth problem.
- The weed blocks boats and damages nets.
- Fishermen cannot fish in their usual places.
- People tried to pull the plant by hand.
- The plant grew back and work stayed hard.
- Researchers and villagers tested a biogas system.
- They fed the weed and animal dung together.
- Families now cook and light homes with gas.
- Women spend less time collecting firewood now.
- Leftover material is used as fertiliser for crops.
Difficult words
- water hyacinth — a floating plant that blocks water and boats
- weed — a wild plant people do not want
- biogas — gas made from plants and animal wastebiogas system
- dung — animal waste used as fuel or plant foodanimal dung
- fertiliser — material added to soil to help crops
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you use gas to cook at home?
- Do you collect firewood where you live?
- Have you seen plants in a lake or river?
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