Sea Cucumber Women Empowerment Program

Duration: April 2024 - Present

About the project

Initiated in 2024, this program addresses the challenges faced by the fishing community in Matemwe, Zanzibar. Overfishing and marine protected areas have reduced fish stocks, creating the need for sustainable alternative livelihoods.

Through community surveys, sea cucumber (Sandfish Holothuria Scabra) farming emerged as an innovative, environmentally friendly solution that supports both livelihoods and marine biodiversity.

Collaboration with the Community

Under The Wave works closely with the Matemwe/Kiwengwa community to establish and manage the sea cucumber farms. Training is provided on marine farming, maintenance, security, sustainable practices, and financial management. Over time, the project’s involvement gradually decreases, aiming for full community ownership within three years.

Empowering Women

This program specifically focuses on women’s empowerment. 7–10 women from the community are selected to lead the farms. They receive hands-on education and training from one of Under The Wave’s marine biologists, learning all aspects of sea cucumber farming.

These trained women then mentor a younger generation of women, passing on the knowledge and skills needed to manage the farms independently in the future. This ensures a lasting cycle of empowerment, education, and sustainable livelihoods within the community.

Program Benefits

Income for Women

Provides additional revenue and financial independence.
Economic Empowerment

Encourages entrepreneurship and leadership skills.
Job Creation

Offers employment opportunities for women in the community.

Sustainable Practices

Teaches women to manage marine resources responsibly.
Community Impact

Strengthens women’s role in decision-making and local development.
Market Access

Opens opportunities in profitable sea cucumber markets.

A Sustainable Future

Through education, mentorship, and hands-on training, the community—and particularly women—will manage and benefit from sea cucumber farming independently, fostering long-term social, economic, and environmental benefits.

Supported by the AFAS Foundation

This program is made possible thanks to the generous support of the AFAS Foundation, whose funding helps provide training, resources, and long-term support for the women and the community.

Get Involved

Thanks to the AFAS Foundation, this project is already empowering women in Matemwe. Now, you can help bring the same opportunity to other communities in Zanzibar. Your donation will support the start of new sea cucumber farms, training, and mentorship programs for women, helping them achieve financial independence and contribute to sustainable marine conservation.

Together, we can expand women’s empowerment and restore Zanzibar’s ocean communities.