Seaweed Farming as a Pathway to Resilient Livelihoods in Zanzibar

Across the islands of Unguja and Pemba, seaweed farming remains a vital source of income for coastal communities. For many households—particularly women—it is one of the few reliable livelihood options available. However, low prices, climate-related losses and limited opportunities for value addition have long constrained the sector’s potential.

Under the Agriculture and Fisheries Development Programme (AFDP), implemented from 2021 to 2027, targeted support is helping seaweed farmers strengthen productivity, improve quality and build resilience. In Zanzibar, AFDP-supported activities reach multiple coastal communities and groups across both Unguja and Pemba, supporting farmers through skills development, improved post-harvest infrastructure and opportunities for value addition, with particular attention to women, youth and persons with disabilities.

Strengthening skills and farming practices

Community training and outreach have been central to improving seaweed farming practices. Across Unguja and Pemba, farmers have been supported to adopt better planting, handling and post-harvest techniques, helping them reduce losses and improve the overall quality of their seaweed. These trainings have also encouraged farmers to look beyond the sale of raw seaweed and explore new ways of increasing its value.

In Unguja, women-led groups such as Furahia Wanawake illustrate how skills development can translate into practical change. Group members describe how learning new processing techniques enabled them to begin producing seaweed-based products, moving from small-scale manual production to more organised and efficient methods. Similar improvements in awareness of quality standards and handling practices have been reported by farmers in Pemba.

Improving quality through better drying infrastructure

Improved drying infrastructure has played a key role in enhancing seaweed quality and reducing climate-related risks. In both Unguja and Pemba, AFDP-supported solar dryers and rehabilitated drying racks have replaced traditional ground drying methods that exposed seaweed to sand, rain and contamination.

In Micheweni, Pemba, farmers explain that before the introduction of safer drying areas, seaweed was often rejected by buyers due to poor quality. With the new drying facilities, farmers are now able to dry seaweed more quickly and hygienically, even during periods of bad weather. As one farmer noted, “Previously we dried seaweed on the ground, and it was often mixed with sand or dirt. Now we dry it in safe areas, and the seaweed is clean and accepted by buyers.”

Farmers report that safer and faster drying has reduced losses and increased confidence when selling their harvest. At the same time, experiences across communities highlight the need to continue expanding drying facilities to match the number of active farmers, particularly in densely

 populated coastal areas.

Adding value and building resilience

Value addition has emerged as an important pathway for improving incomes and strengthening resilience. By processing seaweed into products such as flour and soaps, farmers—particularly women’s groups—are reducing their dependence on fluctuating raw seaweed prices and creating new income streams.

In Unguja, members of the Furahia Wanawake group describe how processing seaweed has transformed their livelihoods. One group member shared, “When we were only farming and selling raw seaweed, the income was very small. After learning how to process it into products, we earn more and can better support our families.”

Despite these gains, challenges remain. Climate change continues to affect production through rising temperatures, shifting currents and unpredictable rainfall. Farmers also highlight the need for stronger market linkages, continued training and investment in processing equipment to scale up value addition.

Looking ahead

Experiences from Unguja and Pemba show that with the right mix of skills development, infrastructure and inclusive support, seaweed farming can become a more resilient and viable livelihood. Under AFDP, these interventions are helping farmers improve quality, reduce losses and expand economic opportunities across multiple communities in Zanzibar.