Along the coast of Zanzibar, seaweed farming has become a vital source of livelihood for thousands of families. At low tide, many women work in shallow coastal waters cultivating seaweed tied to underwater lines. The activity has grown into one of the islands’ most important economic sectors, with more than 23,000 farmers involved, over 80 percent of whom are women. Through this work, women support household incomes, contribute to local economies, and play a key role in advancing Zanzibar’s blue economy.
Despite its importance, the seaweed sector faces several challenges that limit its full potential. Farmers often lack access to affordable financing, improved production techniques, and adequate infrastructure. High post-harvest losses and limited opportunities for local processing also mean that most seaweed is exported without significant value addition, reducing potential income for farmers and communities.
To address these issues, the United Nations, in partnership with the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, has launched a joint programme aimed at transforming seaweed farming into a more sustainable and profitable sector. Supported by the Joint SDG Fund and implemented by several UN agencies, the initiative focuses on improving financial access, strengthening farmer cooperatives, and expanding market opportunities for seaweed producers.
The programme, launched in August 2025, targets 15,000 farming households in the Northern Unguja and Pemba regions, most of which are led by women and young people. By 2028, it aims to increase farmers’ incomes by an average of 40 percent while improving the resilience of coastal communities that depend on seaweed farming for their livelihoods.
A major component of the initiative involves expanding access to financial services suited to the needs of seaweed farmers. This includes credit guarantee schemes with local banks, micro-insurance solutions, and financing models designed to support cooperative-based businesses. The programme aims to ensure that at least 70 percent of participating farmers gain access to affordable financial services.
At the same time, the initiative promotes stronger cooperatives, entrepreneurship training, and improved post-harvest infrastructure. Efforts to enhance quality standards and encourage value addition are expected to reduce losses, increase productivity, and help Zanzibar capture a larger share of the growing global seaweed market. Through these efforts, the programme highlights the central role of women farmers in strengthening coastal communities and building a more inclusive and sustainable blue economy.
