Seaweed Farming: an economic advantage for women
At Kibuyuni, a coastal village in Kwale County, Kenya, Fatuma Mohammed (50), a mother of two, rises as the first rays of the sun gently kiss the horizon. Donning her traditional kanga, a colorful wrap around her waist, and another one on her head to cover her hair, Fatuma begins her journey to the shore.
She wears recycled tire sandals to protect herself from any sharp or foreign objects in the ocean and wades about 500 metres away from the beach through knee-deep water to reach her carefully cultivated seaweed beds.
With deft hands, Fatuma tends to her seaweed crop three days a week. She cautiously selects the healthiest and most vibrant seaweed shoots, expertly pruning and nurturing them to ensure optimal growth.
Seaweed farming, also known as seaweed aquaculture or mariculture, is the cultivation and harvesting of various species of marine algae for commercial purposes. It involves the deliberate cultivation of seaweed in controlled environments, such as coastal areas or designated seaweed farms.
As an ingredient, it is prized around the world for its many benefits, which include being a source of protein and vitamins, lowering blood sugar levels, reducing heart disease risk and controlling cancer risks.
Globally, China is the world’s biggest producer of seaweed, accounting for 57 % of global volume But over the past decade, global seaweed production has increased with an estimated value of $59 billion in 2019. A recent report by the World Bank identified ten global seaweed markets with potential to grow by an additional USD 11.8 billion by 2030, as interest in seaweed as a food source, carbon sink option and renewable product from consumers, farmers, researchers, and business leaders blossoms.
Interest in seaweed is certainly growing along the coasts of Kenya and Tanzania.
Following research trials and support from various sectors including Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), the harvest doubled from 5,204 kg in 2012 bringing income of KES 46,840.5 (USD $426) to 10,554 kg in 2018 at the cost of up to KES 263,850 (USD $2,398).
Similarly in Tanzania, according to the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries, productivity of seaweed increased from 16,723 kg (Tsh 9,469,000,000) by 2015 to 12,594 kg (Tsh 10,055,000,000) by 2022.
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