Seaweed Farming in Kenya: A Growing Lifeline for Coastal Communities
In the coastal village of Mwazaro, Kenya, farmers have turned to seaweed cultivation as a sustainable alternative to traditional crops like cassava and maize. Years of drought, higher temperatures, and rising sea levels have made farming on land increasingly difficult, prompting this shift to ocean-based agriculture. The success of seaweed farming is transforming lives, offering both economic opportunities and community development.
Expanding Seaweed Farming in Kenya
First introduced in Kenya in 2008, seaweed farming has expanded to 20 coastal villages, according to David Mirera from the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI). Farmers plant seaweed along the beach and dry it inland before selling it for various uses, including soap, shampoo, and food products.
In Kibuyuni village, investments in seaweed farming have brought new infrastructure and electricity, boosting local development. The Seaweed Farmers’ Cooperative, employing over 100 households, has empowered individuals like Tima Jasho. A mother of seven, Jasho credits seaweed farming with enabling her to pay school fees and upgrade her home. “If you grow seaweed, you don’t have to depend on a man,” she said. “I can earn my own money.”
In 2022, Kenya produced nearly 100 tons of seaweed worth over $30,000, with exports reaching markets in China, France, and the US.
The Global Market and Regional Comparisons
The global demand for seaweed has surged, tripling in value from $5 billion in 2000 to $17 billion in 2021, according to a 2024 UN report. In neighbouring Tanzania, seaweed is the third-largest export and provides livelihoods for more than 26,000 farmers.
While Kenya’s seaweed industry is growing, it still trails behind Tanzania in production and export scale. George Maina from The Nature Conservancy highlights the sector’s potential but notes that Kenya has a long journey to becoming a global leader.
A Sustainable Future
Seaweed farming is proving to be a sustainable solution for Kenyan coastal communities facing climate change challenges. Beyond providing livelihoods, it is driving local development and empowering women like Jasho. As the global market continues to grow, Kenya has an opportunity to scale its seaweed industry, building resilience and boosting its economy.
With inputs from Reuters