Kwale County gov't pledges support to seaweed farmers

Seaweed farmers in Kwale County are optimistic about the future of their crop after the county government pledged to collaborate with them in boosting seaweed farming and addressing long-standing challenges.

Farmers had raised concerns over post-harvest losses due to the lack of reliable markets and inadequate harvesting tools.

Ms Mwanamkuu Bakari, who is a seaweed farmer in the region, shared her frustrations, highlighting the difficulties many farmers face in securing buyers for their produce.

“I have at least two(2) tonnes of seaweed that I have not been able to sell. We do not have a reliable market. We mainly rely on customers from Tanzania, but they buy at a throwaway price  a kilo goes for just Sh20,” she lamented.

The promise of support came during a meeting with farmers at Kibuyuni in Lunga Lunga sub-County.

Kwale County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture Roman Shera addressed the farmers, assuring them that the county would work closely with various agricultural stakeholders to improve the seaweed industry.

“We have been supporting seaweed farmers, and currently, we have nearly 22 seaweed farmer groups in the region,” Mr Shera said.

Adding that as a county, they are committed to increasing efforts to improve the farming of this crop, including enhancing value addition processes.

The African Women Development Programme (AWDP) CEO Nancy Gitonga also pledged support to the farmers, particularly through training initiatives aimed at empowering them to increase production.

“There is a need for us to think about how we can improve the production capacity of seaweed in this region.Through training, I believe we can achieve this goal,” Gitonga stated.

The Director of the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency Celestine Rono added that her organisation is eager to assist in finding international markets for the seaweed.

“By focusing on branding, product development, and packaging, we can connect local farmers with international markets through strategic partnerships,” Ms Rono said.

Farmers in the region expressed their gratitude for the efforts of the county government and the additional support they have received. Marinda Bakari, a seaweed farmer, reflected on the transformation in her life since the project began.

“Before this project, life was difficult. Now, I can educate my children, buy food for my family, and live in a decent home,” she shared.

Seaweed farming in Kwale is mainly practiced in areas such as Kibuyuni, Mwazaro, Mkwiro, Mtimbwani, Gazi, Nyumba Sita, Thumbe, Funzi, Changai in Shimoni, Daima, and Jimbo. Both wet and dried seaweed are sold locally, with prices ranging from Sh40 to Sh60 per kilogramme.

However, the absence of consistent market linkages has meant that small-scale farmers often experience unreliable income.