At Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) Tanzania, our commitment to empowering coastal communities and youth through sustainable practices is unwavering. Our latest initiative, the Kijana na Mwani project, exemplifies this mission by providing valuable training in seaweed farming to both coastal communities and youth in Bagamoyo, Tanzania.
The Importance of Seaweed Farming
Seaweed farming is an emerging force in the blue economy, offering significant industrial potential and direct benefits to local communities. It promotes environmental sustainability, enhances livelihoods, and empowers gender in local communities. Seaweed farming contributes to ocean health by providing alternative livelihoods and reducing pressure on overfished marine resources.
Training Highlights
From July 18th to July 21st, 2024, 30 participants, including 20 youth and 10 women from local coastal communities, gathered in Bagamoyo for an intensive training program. This training was led by Mr. Godfrey Christopher, an expert from the Fisheries Education and Training Agency (FETA-MBEGANI), with over 14 years of experience in seaweed farming, climate change science, and coastal resource management.
Meet the Trainer: Mr. Godfrey Christopher
Godfrey holds a Master’s degree in Natural Resource Assessment and Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Aquatic Environmental Science and Conservation from the University of Dar es Salaam. With extensive experience leading projects funded by IFAD, JICA, and WWF, Godfrey’s expertise in adaptive strategies, socio-economic improvements, and sustainable practices has significantly contributed to the success of the Kijana na Mwani project.
Training Activities
During the training, participants learned:
- How to construct and manage seaweed farms
- Cultivation methods, transporting of seeds, and harvesting procedures
- Seaweed value improvement and processing techniques, including the production of seaweed-derived products like organic cosmetics (soaps, skin jelly, shampoos, shower gel, and lotions)
Outcomes of the Training
The training provided participants with invaluable skills that promote sustainable practices and create new economic opportunities. The enthusiasm and dedication of the participants were evident throughout the training, highlighting the potential for significant positive impacts on their communities. Fellows learned by practice and produced seaweed oil, lotion, shampoo, shower gel and soap.
Fellow Testimonials
Shadya Ngrini: “The #KinajanaMwani project exceeded expectations. Participants learned about seaweed farming, value addition, and various product creations. Their eagerness underscores the importance of our work and its positive impact on ocean conservation.”
Divan Joseph: “The training was an eye-opener. We learned practical skills in seaweed farming and value addition that can change our lives. I’m excited to start my own venture and contribute to the community.”
Nasra Nurudin: “As a marine scientist and @soatanzania_ finance officer, I had an amazing experience in this training. Local coastal communities learned about value addition on seaweed farming as an alternative source of livelihood.”
Erick Elieza: “The seaweed industry is a blue economy sector that fulfills both environmental sustainability and livelihoods enhancement while empowering gender in local communities. I gained insightful skills on seaweed farming and processing, along with networking and partnerships.”
Amrani Nurudin: “Participating in this training has been transformative. The knowledge and skills we acquired are invaluable, and I look forward to applying them in my own seaweed farming projects.”
A New Venture
The participants are now equipped with the skills to start their own seaweed farming ventures. This new initiative not only promises to provide economic benefits but also fosters sustainable ocean practices. The creation of high-value seaweed products such as lotions, shampoos, and soaps will open new market opportunities and improve the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Moving Forward
Following the success of the Kijana na Mwani training, we are committed to continuing our support for these newly empowered farmers and processors, youth and coastal communities. We are excited to see the positive impact they will bring to their communities and the environment.
Gratitude
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Sustainable Ocean Alliance for their unwavering support in making this project a reality. Your dedication to empowering coastal communities is truly making a difference.
Stay tuned for more updates and success stories from SOA Tanzania as we continue to empower and inspire change. Follow our journey and witness the positive impact our fellows are making in their communities and the environment. This is just the beginning!
Amazing programs
I’m genuinely proud of SOA Tanzania. Your efforts into empowering youth while conserving the ocean ecosystem will always be acknowledged by me and youth associated with me, as you have trained hundred youth in my society by training me among the 20 youth of Kijana na mwani project training.
I am really happy to be among the participant of this training. I have learned a lot and I am now working on what I have learned.
We gained riches in knowledge, and we will quickly transform them into tangible gains.
congratulations for the participant, i think they gain a lot about seaweed.
I appreciate what you do and I hope your efforts will bring the positive impacts for the sustainable development
Wow!! It was a wonderful project, congratulations to the SOA and all participants.