The Community Influence of Sponge and Coral Aquaculture in Zanzibar

Authors

Hanna Gaertner, University of Denver
Asma Ahmada Hamad, State University of Zanzibar - Advisor
J. Richard Walz, Program in Coastal Ecology and Natural Resource Management, School for International Training, Zanzibar, Tanzania - Advisor

Abstract

Aquaculture has been presented as a means of income for coastal communities, particularly in the context of climate change and resource exploitation. The NGO Marine Cultures in Jambiani, Zanzibar has established a sponge cultivation program for women in response to declining feasibility of seaweed farming from warming ocean temperatures. In addition, the organization strives to restore a severely damaged reef while providing employment for coral farmers and tour boat operators. This study analyzed the influence of aquaculture on community stakeholders, primarily with respect to sponge cultivation and secondarily in regard to coral farms. Using Marine Cultures as a case study, the principal aim was to investigate the impacts of sponge farms on the lives of women, with supplementary examination of the coral project and potential for community benefit. Participant observation and interviews were employed to generate qualitative data about the farms themselves, Marine Cultures, and the individuals impacted, predominantly women sponge farmers. The results of the study were a holistic narrative of Marine Cultures, four biographical sketches (three sponge farmers and one coral farmer) and a clear representation of aquaculture’s benefits to individuals.

Dhahania

Kilimo bahari kilifanywa ikiwa ni njia ya kujipatia kipato kwa jamii ya watu wa mwambao wa Jambiani, Katika kukabiliana na hali ya tabia nchi na uvunaji wa maliasili. Taasisi isiyo ya kiserikali ya Kilimo bahari katika eneo la Jambiani, Zanzibar walianzisha upandaji wa spongi bahari (vinja bahari) kwa Wanawake kutoka na wasiwasi wa kushuka kwa uzalishaji wa mwani kutokana na kupanda kwa joto la bahari. Kwa kuongezeka, taasisi hii inaangalia uwezekano wa kurejesha matumbawe yaliyoathiriwa kwa kiwango kikubwa wakati huohuo wakitoa ajira kwa Wakulima wa Matumbawe pamoja waendesha boti. Utafiti huu ulichunguza pamoja na kuchambua ushawishi wa kilimo bahari kwa washika dau wa jamii ya Jambiani, kimsingi kwa kuzingatia kilimo cha Spongi na kilimo cha Matumbawe. Kwa kutumia jumuiya ya “Marine Culture” eneo la Kujifunzia, Madhumuni ya msingi yalikuwa ni utafiti kilimo cha mashamba ya spongi pamoja na maisha ya wakulima wa kike, utafiti wa ziada wa kilimo cha Matumbawe na faida kilimo kwa wanajamii. Uchunguzi kwa vitendo na mahojiano ulifanyika ili kuweza kupata data kuhusiana na mashamba yao, Kilimo bahari, na waathirika, Mara nyingi wakulima wa spongi ni wanawake. Matokeo ya utafiti huu ni kwa ujumla yanasimulia “Marine Cultures,” 4 michoro ya kibinadamu (3 wakulima wa spongi, 1 mkulima wa matumbawe) na uwakilishi mzuri wa faida kwa kilimo mmoja.

Publication Statement

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Recommended Citation

Gaertner, Hanna; Hamad, Asma Ahmada; and Walz, J. Richard (2020) "The Community Influence of Sponge and Coral Aquaculture in Zanzibar," DU Undergraduate Research Journal Archive: Vol. 1: Iss. 2, Article 1.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.du.edu/duurj/vol1/iss2/1