Within a sustainable ocean economy, the seaweed sector is one of those with the most opportunities to achieve sustainable growth by 2030. This study aims to enhance our comprehension of the seaweed sector as a tripartite vector for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and women’s economic empowerment.

Seaweed farming culture is closely linked to food security, income, livelihoods, and traditional knowledge of rural coastal communities, particularly for women and Indigenous Peoples. However, the sector remains mostly under-appreciated and untapped even though it shows clear growth potential beyond its current market reach. 

Through collating the most recent available data and evidence on seaweed production and trade in developing countries, such as the work conducted under Catchgreen’s SMEP-funded project, this study analyses the seaweed sector and explores its linkages with food and nutrition security, environmental sustainability, and women’s economic empowerment. It pays special attention to the role of women in the sector at every step of the seaweed value chain. In addition, the study focuses on three concrete and practical examples of how women’s participation in the seaweed sector acts as a catalyst for their economic empowerment and the promotion of sustainable practices in the industry in the United Republic of Tanzania, Portugal, and Kenya.

The concluding section identifies main responses to challenges and opportunities for developing a sustainable and gender inclusive seaweed sector and identifies some research gaps for future work.

The study has benefited from receiving valuable input and peer review from numerous experts, as well as representatives from relevant organisations such as FAO and the Global Seaweed Coalition.

Read more about this study in the report linked on the right, or listen to UNCTAD’s Weekly Tradecast (episode 102) on Super seaweed: From food to pharmaceuticals, how the marine plant can transform our lives.