Seaweed aquaculture is a vital economic activity that contributes significantly to livelihoods and food security in coastal regions worldwide. In Kenya, particularly in Mwazaro and Kibuyuni villages, seaweed farming has emerged as a key livelihood source, fostering economic resilience and gender empowerment. This study examines 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 (126 women, 29 men). Findings indicate that women dominate the sector, engaging in production, harvesting, and processing, while men largely control marketing and price negotiations. Farmers earn an average of USD 56 per 45-day production cycle, with variations from USD 10 to USD 120, reflecting income disparities. Approximately 40% reinvest their earnings into household needs, while 35% diversify into small-scale businesses. Women were actively engaged in all value chain nodes, with production and harvesting tasks shared equally between men and women, while value addition remained female-dominated and marketing largely male-dominated. These patterns highlight the gendered nature of labour division within the sector, carrying implications for economic empowerment, gender equality, and sustainable development interventions to foster inclusive growth in coastal communities. The income generated from seaweed farming enabled women to support their households, particularly in educating their children and investing in other local enterprises. Additionally, access to resources and frequent training sessions enhanced their technical capacity, equipping them with the necessary skills for decision-making in seaweed enterprises. Key challenges include insufficient financial resources (63%), inadequate training (55%), and climate change-induced disruptions (70%), leading to a 30% decline in harvests over the past three years. Additionally, lack of access to farm inputs (48%) and market linkages hinders expansion efforts. Despite these barriers, the study underscores that the economic and social benefits outweigh the challenges, highlighting the need for gender-responsive policies that enhance financial support, capacity building, market linkages, and climate adaptation strategies. The findings suggest that targeted interventions addressing financial and market disparities can significantly enhance gender equity and sector sustainability. By strengthening women’s participation in high-value activities, seaweed aquaculture can contribute to inclusive economic growth and resilience in coastal communities.
Key Words: Seaweed, value chain, gender, socio-economic empowerment, sustainability