SEAWEED AND SISTERHOOD: A BRIEF EVALUATION OF WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN THE INDUSTRY

Seaweed and Sisterhood: A brief evaluation of women’s participation in the industry. Seaweeds generate an eco-friendly way of life for small-scale harvesters and farmers and play an integral role in addressing climate change. Several implementations have reflected that the seaweed sector has notably contributed to the empowerment of women in the ocean communities. Its production requires fewer inputs and resources, and its export encounters much lower barriers to market entry compared to traditional fisheries.

Engaging women through harvesting and processing

Women constitute a significant percentage of people involved in the low-paid, less-skilled workforce, especially in the coastal areas. They are now actively involved in every step of the seaweed value chain, whether it is cultivation, processing, or marketing. For instance, in Zanzibar, Tanzania, seaweed farming is mostly a part-time activity.

However, about 50% of the income generated by coastal people who have dual economic activities comes from seaweed farming. Seaweed farming is the best alternative economic activity for improving livelihood conditions for coastal farmer households in places like Tanzania and Zanzibar. Ona global scale, women constitute over 50% of the workforce in seaweed farming. They play significant roles in harvesting and processing, which allows them to earn income that supports their families and communities. According to a report by UNCTAD, about 40% of all start-ups in the seaweed sector are led by women, showcasing their increasing leadership and entrepreneurial roles within this industry. Allied Market Research in one of its studies mentions that seaweed supports coastal livelihoods through harvesting and farming, which is expected to contribute largely to the expansion of the seaweed market from 2024 to 2033.

Sea6 women’s participation in extraction and value addition

Sea6Energy, a pioneering seaweed company, did not initially start its venture to uphold a female-centric section of the blue economy. However, David Jose Vivas Eugui, the chief for trade, environment, climate change, and sustainable development section at the UNCTAD, mentioned that women have taken charge of the seaweed sector. The company’s data reflects that 40% of the seaweed startups are headed by women. As per the chief, women took effective steps to expand food sources and incomes to support their families financially. In the industry, the participation of women is much higher in both extraction and value addition. It is an interesting complementary economic activity that not only provides food but also generates small income.

Bridging gender gaps through increased access

Despite the progress made in the seaweed sector, various intricacies remain regarding gender equality and women’s rights within this industry. Women often face systemic barriers that limit their participation in higher-value roles. Access to resources such as land ownership, financing, and technology is often restricted for women due to cultural norms and practices. To address these barriers, many governments have implemented gender-informed policies that recognise women’s contributions in the sector. For example, governments promote access to training programs specifically designed for women and support initiatives that encourage female entrepreneurship within the industry. Data suggested that both in Pemba and Unguja, women farmers outnumbered men. MANLF gender data reflected that the industry employed 260,0000 farmers, in which 78% were female workers. Mainland Tanzania has 90% women in 5,0000 farmers.

These women have progressed in sustainable seaweed farming for over forty years, and their commitment, patience, and strength reflect their tenacity in the face of food crises. The roles of women are complicated, including hands-on farming and small-scale activities to produce valuable products depending on the cultivated seaweed biomass. In Africa, there are notably a greater number of employed women than men. Meanwhile, in Southeast Asia, men and women engage almost equally at the different levels of the seaweed industry. With such women at the forefront of the business, the benefits are expected to continue to be shared with whole families and other community members.

Filipino women’s seaweed resilience in saving the coastal environment after ‘Haiyan’

The importance of women in seaweed farming was especially highlighted when the typhoon Haiyan ravaged the eastern and western Visayas and MIMAROPA in November 2013. After the disaster, women were deeply engaged in the rehabilitation of their damaged farms. Although there was extensive damage, it also provided an opportunity to introduce better farming practices. Women were trained by the Food and Agricultural Organisation after the selection of the most suitable farming sites.

Skill building through seaweed cultivation in AMMACHI labs

AMMACHI Labs started a project, partnering with joint funding from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and the Transworld Group of Companies. It has actively engaged women in coastal villages. The project empowered 120womenninaafcouplesof off years through vocational training. This has encouraged the accomplishments of collective businesses in the cultivation of seaweed. In the first quarter of 2024, at least 24 women from Thiruppalaikudi village completed their training and successfully harvested 1,290 kg inn their first cultivation round.

Final lines

Women constitute a significant portion of the workforce in the seaweed industry, actively participating in various stages of the value chain, whether it is cultivation, harvesting, processing, or marketing. Their involvement not only contributes to their families’ incomes but also encourages a sense of community and empowerment. In the upcoming years, women are expected to lead startups and significant business initiatives making themselves indispensable in the growth of the seaweed industry across the globe.

✍ ** : Saranya Ganguly