Watch the seaweed farmers on the East Coast
Zanzibar Must See Watch the seaweed farmers on the East Coast
After tourism and spices, farming seaweed is the third biggest industry on Zanzibar. At low tide you can see farmers waist deep in sapphire water off the white beaches at the east coast of the island.
Around 15,000 women work in seaweed farming. Their livelihood is at risk though as warming sea temperatures cause massive die-offs. Despite maintaining its position as the third largest seaweed exporter in the world, many farmers in Zanzibar have abandoned this line of work as they now feel the economic impact.
Seaweed is exported to Europe, America and Asia. Food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, use seaweed extracts as gelling substances, stabilizers and emulsifiers in industrial products like perfumes, shampoos, toothpaste, medicines, and....ice cream, milk shakes, and yoghurt!! Did you know? 😉
About Zanzibar
The island of Zanzibar boasts pristine white sand beaches, ubundant sunshine, exotic Swahili dishes, a hospitable people. In the historic Stone Town you’ll find Arabic and Swahili inluences, winding lanes with minarets, carved doorways and 19th century palaces. If your idea of a fun is to mix a culture with lazing on the beach then you just found your next destination!