Vulnerability of Seaweed Farmers and Adaptation to Climate Change on Pemba Island, Zanzibar.

Abstract

Climate change poses significant threats to coastal livelihoods in small islands, particularly, in sub-Saharan Africa, where communities such as seaweed farmers on Pemba Island, Zanzibar, face heightened vulnerability. This study assessed the vulnerability and adaptation of seaweed farmers to climate change in Micheweni District, focusing on perceived effects, vulnerability levels, and current adaptation practices. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected using a survey questionnaire from 183 smallholder farmers in Maziwa Ng’ombe and Kiuyu Mbuyuni Shehia. Vulnerability was measured using the IPCC-derived Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI), which incorporates exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity based on sustainable livelihood capitals. The results highlighted that seaweed farming is female-dominated (72.7%), with low education levels (63.9% nonformal). The overall LVI was 0.27, indicating moderate vulnerability, suggesting that farmers can manage current risks, but face a potential decline in livelihoods without enhanced support. This was driven by moderate-tohigh exposure (0.64), reflecting frequent hazards like rising temperatures and floods that threaten assets; high sensitivity (0.74), due to heavy natural resource dependence that amplifies disruptions in productivity and income; and low-to-moderate adaptive capacity (0.49), constrained by limited financial and physical assets, reducing options for coping or recovery. All farmers perceived negative climate impacts on seaweed growth and production, with household yields declining from 4,480 kg in 2016 to 2,422 kg in 2020, attributed to heat stress and winds. Adaptation practices identified included changing farming methods (68.9%, e.g., deep-water cultivation), crop diversification (35%), and alternative activities (39.3%, e.g., livestock), with gender differences highlighting women's focus on on-farm strategies. The findings underscore the need for contextspecific interventions, such as deep-water technologies and gender-inclusive policies, within Zanzibar's Blue Economy, to build resilience and prevent poverty escalation amid climate risks. We recommend that future research evaluate the adaptation effectiveness of the new strategies.