Seaweed farming in Zanzibar

When visiting the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar, be sure to look for women farming seaweed during low tide. Seaweed, which is used in products such as mascara, beer, toothpaste and meat, is harvested every two months in the waters surrounding Zanzibar. Seaweed shambas (Swahili for farms) consist of several seaweed rows, constructed using sticks and fishing line. Seaweed harvested from the ocean is transported to Stonetown and then shipped abroad.