When the water goes out with the low tide, the coast of Zanzibar transforms into the desert. White sandbanks stretch for miles with shallow pools, rows of sticks and hundreds of seaweed farms. 90% of seaweed farmers in Zanzibar are women. In traditionally patriarchal communities in Zanzibar, women tend to stay at home, cook and look after their children. Seaweed faming had created a significant shift in gender relations, helping women to leave homes, earn money and depend on their own income.  
Zanzibar is worlds 3^rd largest exporter of seaweed in the world. Seaweed is mainly exported to Asia and Europe and used as a base for cosmetics, toothpaste, medicine and food. 
But due to climate change and rising temperatures of the ocean, bacteria called “ice-ice” is growing on seaweed causing it to die. Covid-19 pandemic has also affected seaweed farmers and their income as demand for raw materials has decreased and prices have fallen.