Freshwater infestation by the water hyacinth weed has reached crisis proportions in many areas of Africa and the Middle East. Accumulated environmental, economic, and social damages to date are estimated in the billions of dollars. Most severely affected are riparian communities and those people who depend upon the environmental services or production from affected water bodies. Years of research has produced significant new findings and advances in water hyacinth control and utilization. However, it is all too apparent that this knowledge is not being properly applied to manage the weed. Early in 1996, and in response to disparate requests for water hyacinth research support from across Africa and the Middle East, IDRC launched an initiative to assess the extent of the problem. Most importantly, the initiative was to investigate the apparent lethargy of governments and affected communities to acknowledge, react to, and manage impending water hyacinth infestations. This publication summarizes the findings and recommendations of the initiative. It will be of interest to decision-makers, policymakers, development professionals, researchers, and academics.