ZMBF empowers seaweed farmers with modern financial tools

ZANZIBAR: THE Zanzibar Maisha Bora Foundation (ZMBF), in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) through the Joint Programme on Rural Women’s Economic Empowerment (JP RWEE), is continuing its mission to empower seaweed farmers by equipping them with modern financial and digital tools to enhance their operations and livelihoods.

ZMBF Chief Executive Officer, Ms Fatma Fungo, revealed this during a recent briefing on the foundation’s ongoing efforts, spearheaded by the First Lady of Zanzibar, Mrs Maryam Mwinyi, to advance the economic empowerment of women across the islands.

She said the foundation has been conducting digital training sessions to teach farmers how to use mobile phones to save money, issue and manage loans via the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) model and streamline group activities.

“This financial system enables farmers to quickly access small loans, increase their agricultural investment and develop long-term financial discipline. It also strengthens community cohesion and promotes local economic growth,” said Ms Fungo.

She noted that during the initial pilot phase, more than 150 seaweed farmers from Uzi and Mfumbwi shehia (local administrative areas) benefited from the training.

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To date, over 1,200 seaweed farmers have directly benefited from ZMBF initiatives through projects such as the JP RWEE and the Ocean Life Project. “These training programmes extend beyond cultivation.

They also include value addition techniques, teaching farmers how to produce soap, skin oils, lotions and other seaweed-based products,” she said.

Ms Fungo stressed that ZMBF views the success of farmers as integral to Zanzibar’s economic development.

Through strategies including capacity building, provision of farming tools and now digital integration, the foundation remains dedicated to supporting women and youth in rural communities.

She affirmed that ZMBF will continue partnering with local and international development stakeholders to enhance productivity and efficiency in seaweed farming and ensure that Zanzibar fully taps into the sector’s economic potential.