How Seaweed Farming Transformed a Kenyan Coastal Community – In the village of Mwandamu, nestled along Kenya’s South Coast, Blue Life Hub had the privilege of speaking with Mr. Bakari Nguvu, the inspiring Chairman of Shangani Amani. This community seaweed farming group has not only become a symbol of hope and resilience but has also transformed the lives of its members by harnessing the ocean’s gifts in a sustainable manner. As the salty breeze from the Indian Ocean filled the air, Mr. Nguvu shared the remarkable journey of how his community turned seaweed farming into a thriving enterprise that has enriched their lives and deepened their bond with nature.
Background and Introduction
The origins of Shangani Amani are rooted in the community’s ongoing commitment to environmental protection. Mr. Nguvu recalls how the idea for seaweed farming was born out of a training session at the Kibuyuni Seaweed Farm.
“We’ve always known the sea as our provider, but we felt there was more we could learn,” he explained. “That training was an eye-opener, leading to the creation of Shangani Amani as we know it today.”
Inspired by the transformative impact seaweed farming had on the Kibuyuni farmers, the community decided to embark on this journey, with hopes of turning their fortunes around.
As Chairman, Mr. Nguvu plays a vital role in leading the group. Though leadership was not something he initially sought, he embraced the opportunity when the community called upon him.
“The group felt I should lead them, and I accepted the responsibility with both hands,”
he said, bringing his extensive experience at sea to guide the initiative.
Social and Economic Impact
Seaweed farming has had a profound impact on the livelihoods of the community members. Mr. Nguvu shared how the group has been able to generate income through the sale of cosmetic products made from seaweed, such as bathing soap, hair food, and shampoo.
“The demand is very high,”
he noted.
“We often produce these products on order, and they are always appreciated by our clients.”
The income generated has provided economic flexibility for the group, particularly for the women who make up 75% of its members.
Beyond the economic benefits, seaweed farming has opened up new opportunities for the community. Mr. Nguvu himself had the chance to travel to Zanzibar thanks to this initiative, and the project has attracted attention from schools, colleges, and universities eager to learn about their work.
“It’s an incredibly encouraging sign for the future of seaweed farming,”
he remarked.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Shangani Amani has ambitious goals for the future. The group aspires to expand their production and sell their seaweed products on both local and international markets, following the successful model of the Kibuyuni Seaweed group. They also hope to involve more youth in the project, ensuring that the entire community can benefit from the ocean’s resources.
Mr. Nguvu envisions seaweed farming becoming a cornerstone of economic development in the region over the next five to ten years. With declining fish production, seaweed farming offers a viable alternative that can support both community livelihoods and ocean sustainability.
“If we fully tap into it and reap the accompanying benefits, our economies will thrive,”
he said.
Advice to Other Communities
To other communities interested in seaweed farming, Mr. Nguvu offers this advice:
“If the idea ever crossed your mind and your region supports its growth, get proper training and start as early as possible. There is a lot of untapped opportunities within seaweed farming.”
He invites others to visit Shangani Amani and learn from their experience, encouraging them to “reap the ocean’s bounties and grow.”
Mr. Bakari Nguvu’s leadership and the success of Shangani Amani are testaments to the power of community-driven initiatives and the sustainable use of natural resources. Their story is an inspiring example of how traditional knowledge and modern practices can come together to create lasting positive change.
How Seaweed Farming Transformed a Kenyan Coastal Community
