Gendered Value Chain Opportunities and Challenges in Seaweed Aquaculture: The Changing Gender and Socio-Economic Dynamics in Mwazaro and Kibuyuni Villages, South Coast Kenya

Faith Kimanga, Dr. Lutsili V. Ladan, Dr David Mirera, Dr Anne Maundu, Hellen Moyoni, Chadwick Bironga and Dr Joel Onyango
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Faith Kimanga: Department Of Social Sciences, Technical University Of Mombasa (Tum), Mombasa – Kenya Socioeconomic Directorate, Kenya Marine And Fisheries Research Institute (Kmfri), Mombasa – Kenya
Dr. Lutsili V. Ladan: Department Of Social Sciences, Technical University Of Mombasa (Tum), Mombasa – Kenya
Dr David Mirera: Muriculture Department, Kenya Marine And Fisheries Research Institute (Kmfri), Mombasa – Kenya
Dr Anne Maundu: Department Of Zoological Sciences, Aquaculture And Aquatic Sciences Kenyatta University
Hellen Moyoni: Socioeconomic Directorate, Kenya Marine And Fisheries Research Institute (Kmfri), Mombasa – Kenya
Chadwick Bironga: Socioeconomic Directorate, Kenya Marine And Fisheries Research Institute (Kmfri), Mombasa – Kenya
Dr Joel Onyango: African Centre For Technology Studies (Acts)

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2025, vol. 9, issue 4, 3456-3473

Abstract: Globally, seaweed aquaculture is a key economic activity in coastal regions. It has emerged as a livelihood source in Kibuyuni and Mwazaro at the coast of Kenya, fostering economic resilience and gender empowerment. This study examined gender-associated opportunities and challenges within the seaweed value chain, emphasizing labor distribution, economic contributions, and barriers to participation. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data from 155 respondents. The findings indicate that women dominate the activity engaging at different levels of the value chain from farming to processing while men largely control marketing. Seaweed farmers earn an average of USD 56 per 45-day production cycle. Seaweed farming however faces challenges such as lack of technology, poor farming techniques, ineffective resource management, environmental factors, inadequate knowledge and skills, inadequate financial support, and inadequate farm inputs. Despite these challenges, the study established that the economic and social benefits outweigh the challenges. The findings suggest that targeted interventions addressing financial and market disparities can significantly enhance gender equity and sustainability. Additionally, these patterns highlight the gendered nature of labour division in the seaweed value chain. It is concluded that gender-based economic empowerment and sustainable development interventions are necessary to foster inclusive growth, resilience in coastal communities and strengthening women’s participation in seaweed value chain. Seaweed aquaculture can contribute to inclusive economic growth in coastal communities.

Date: 2025
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