Fishers and coastal farmers in Tanga have received training aimed at improving the production and value chain of seaweed and sea cucumber as the government begins implementing a major fisheries development project for the 2025/2026 financial year.
The Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries has launched the Tanzania Scaling-Up Sustainable Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture Management (TASFAM), a five-year initiative running from 2025 to 2030, designed to strengthen the management of marine resources and improve the livelihoods of coastal communities in mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Speaking in Tanga on March 26, 2026, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Chief Fisheries Officer Silas William said the training provides an important opportunity for seaweed farmers and sea cucumber producers to understand the full value chain of the two products, which are increasingly in demand in both local and international markets.
He explained that the government is prioritising capacity building among coastal communities so they can engage more productively in aquaculture activities that generate income while ensuring sustainable use of marine resources.
“These trainings offer farmers the opportunity to learn the entire value chain of seaweed and sea cucumber, which are products with growing market potential today,” William said.
He added that the ministry has introduced a strategic plan aimed at educating farmers and encouraging them to conduct their production activities through groups and cooperative societies. According to him, this approach will strengthen production systems and enable farmers to access reliable markets for their products.
“The ministry has developed a clear plan to educate farmers so they can carry out production activities through groups and cooperatives. This will ensure that the seaweed and sea cucumber markets become stronger both locally and internationally, helping to grow individual incomes and the national economy,” he said.
William also encouraged farmers to expand sea cucumber farming and actively join groups and cooperative societies so they can benefit from financial support programmes that target fisheries-related enterprises.
He said organised farmers are more likely to access loans and other forms of financial assistance designed to boost aquaculture production and improve the economic wellbeing of coastal communities.
The TASFAM project focuses on strengthening fisheries resource management while promoting sustainable aquaculture practices that can increase productivity and income for fishers and coastal farmers.
Through training programmes and technical support, the project aims to build knowledge among farmers on better farming methods, product handling, marketing strategies and value addition.
The government believes that improving the seaweed and sea cucumber value chains will create new economic opportunities for coastal communities and contribute to broader national development goals.
Local leaders and farmers welcomed the training programme, noting that it provides much-needed knowledge and support to help them improve their activities.
Chairman of Rural Sahare Street and seaweed farmer Amiri Makalamange called on the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries to support farmers with modern equipment and improved inputs to boost production.
“We ask the ministry to provide us with modern tools for seaweed and sea cucumber farming, as well as sea cucumber seeds and reliable markets for these fisheries products so that farmers can sell their produce more easily,” Makalamange said.
He explained that many farmers in the area have the willingness to engage in aquaculture but face challenges related to limited access to farming equipment and production inputs.
Makalamange also highlighted several difficulties facing fishers and seaweed farmers in the coastal area, including security concerns in fishing zones.
According to him, some farmers experience losses due to theft and other security challenges in marine farming areas.
“We also request the government to support us with community patrol boats that will help strengthen security in these areas,” he said.
He noted that improved security would encourage more farmers to participate in seaweed and sea cucumber farming and increase production levels.
Seaweed farming has become an important economic activity for many coastal communities in Tanzania, particularly among women who rely on the activity as a source of income.
Sea cucumbers, on the other hand, are considered a high-value marine product with strong demand in international markets, especially in Asia, where they are widely used in food and traditional medicine.
