Blue economy dynamics: does women’s participation in seaweed aquaculture influence their income levels? Empirical evidence from Zanzibar

Seaweed aquaculture is vital for economic resilience in Zanzibar’s blue economy communities. However, women’s participation in seaweed farming impact on their income remains underexplored. This study investigated the effects of women’s involvement in seaweed farming alongside selected socio-economic factors on their income levels. The study was descriptive and collected data in a cross-sectional survey involving 94 women seaweed farmers in the South Unguja district in Zanzibar. Ordinal logistic regression was used to analyze the relationships between women’s participation, socio-economic variables, and income levels. The study revealed that women’s participation in seaweed farming significantly inversely relates to higher income levels, indicating that the anticipated economic benefits are often not realized due to market challenges, limited empowerment, and operational issues. Similarly, farmer’s age significantly positively correlated with higher income levels, suggesting that older women tend to earn more. Conversely, other socio-economic variables, including education level, marital status, farming experience, business planning skills, access to seaweed equipment, and access to finance, did not show significant influence on income levels. These findings challenge assumptions about women’s economic empowerment in seaweed aquaculture and underscore the need to understand the barriers limiting income growth. To improve women’s economic empowerment in seaweed aquaculture, we recommend enhancing market access, diversifying income activities, and improving access to resources like equipment and finance.