Background Tanzania On-the-Ground Results
demonstrates higher growth rates than the off-bottom method and results in fewer die-offs. The use of dema traps to capture siganids that forage on floating seaweed farms in Pande has been
successful with an average harvest of 40 fish per spring tide period six days, with each weighing between 200 to 500 grams. During the period of 21 days that three dema traps were deployed, the
farmers harvested 86 kg of fish equivalent to 172,000 Tsh at a price of 2000 kg market price at the time. This innovation has the potential for widespread dissemination once the comparative
economic analysis of the two farming methods is completed. The seaweed farming trials in Zanzibar are showing similar results. The farmers in Zanzibar are also complaining of fish
predation and SUCCESS is planning to introduce dema traps. Farmers are convinced the floating- line method of farming is better than and also a good complement to the off-bottom method. It
allows farmers to grow more v K. Alvarezii ariety of seaweed, which commands a much higher price than the E. spinosum variety. There is high potential throughout the country for expanded
seaweed production and higher income generation from this new farming method.
Shellfish farming in Menai Bay The floating-line system for bivalves deployed in Bweleo in April 2006 proved better than the
enclosures method. The number of line plots was increased from five to ten. One plot each has been introduced to Fumba Bondeni and Fumba Chaleni. The floating-lines are being used for
culturing Pinctada for pearl production. Ninety eight large bivalves were seeded for pearl production and to date the mortality rate is low only five seeded bivalves have died. Seaweed
farming on the floating-lines is also progressing well with no die-offs and high growth rates in Bweleo, similar to the Bagamoyo results. An initial half-pearl harvest is scheduled for May 2007.
Now that half-pearl farming appears to be a viable new enterprise, interest is growing among coastal communities and by some other development projects to promote this activity more
widely. However, there are no specific policies in Zanzibar for regulating this or planning expansion in an orderly way. Therefore, we intend to accelerate a policy track on this issue. In
addition, if the industry is to expand, an abundant source of spat must be found so that dependence on wild adults for implantation is not necessary and can be restricted.
Developing capacity for entrepreneurship of women groups Terms of reference TOR for a local group to provide extension assistance to the women’s
groups involved in shellcraft manufacture and bivalve including half-pearl farming was completed. The TORs were circulated widely and four individuals applied to design and deliver
the training. After discussions with SUCCESS and WIOMSA officials, a lecturer from the University of Dar es Salaam, Dr. Allan Shimba of the Marketing Department of the Faculty of
Commerce at the University, was contracted. Meanwhile, two applicants from Department of Cooperatives in the Ministry of Agriculture, Zanzibar have been asked to assist Dr Allan during
the training. These two individuals will continue working with the groups after the training is completed to help ensure the knowledge and skills gained in the training are applied to activities
on the ground and that these micro-enterprises maximize the chances for success.