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Zanzibar kelp farmers: feminism, innovation on the banks of the Indian Ocean

Bwejuu, Tanzania, Dec 3 (EFE).- Dressed in a marine blue tunic and headscarf, kelp farmer Maryam Pandu’s attire reflects and honors the Indian Ocean that has given her a job and financial independence, luxuries which most women in deeply conservative Tanzania don’t enjoy. FOOTAGE OF SEAWEED FARMERS AND FARMERS WORKING IN THE WATER. SOUNDBITES AND TRANSLATIONS OF: Nali Hassan, Seaweed farmer in Bwejuu: "Before, every day we planted a lot of algae and they grew large and healthy, they did not spoil. But for six years now we barely harvested anything." Maryam Pandu, leader of a group of 20 algae farmers in Bwejuu:"I always tell the community girls that growing seaweed is very beneficial, specially for women with a very low income or who don't have a job. Growing seaweed means no longer being stuck and start being economically independent. Besides, it doesn't mean so much work and return is good. " "I will continue to grow algae until I am old and I can't even walk. I will continue to do so. What else can I do?"