Working day and night toward sustainable coastal development, Aqua Farms Organization (AFO) has redefined community empowerment through its flagship Africa Fair Seaweed Finance Facility (AFSFF) initiative, a cornerstone of the Coastal Livelihood Program. In Q1 PY 2025, strategic engagements, transformative capacity-building, and robust financial inclusion efforts set the stage for lasting impact along Tanzania’s coastal regions, specifically looking at Tanga, Dar es Salaam and Kilwa in Lindi.
Forging Partnerships and Building Trust
AFO’s journey in Q1 began with high-impact inception meetings in Mkinga District, Tanga. Over two days, senior government representatives and village leaders from more than five (5) pivotal communities converged to align on objectives and set clear expectations for the intervention. Through detailed discussions on market integration and sustainable seaweed farming, key public-private alliances were formed that promise enhanced support for low-income coastal areas. This foundational work not only galvanized local leadership but also paved the way for informed quarterly reviews with governmental partners.
Activating Community Engagement
Across more than 16 villages in Moa, Mayomboni, Kwale, Boma, and Manza, dynamic community sensitization sessions ignited grassroots enthusiasm for sustainable practices. Engaging more than 600 community members, these sessions demystified the AFSFF initiative while building on a spirit of collective action. Attendees gained insights into effective seaweed farming, international market requirements, and value-added techniques, all geared toward revitalizing local economies. With 11 new community groups taking shape and conservation partnerships emerging in Kunduchi, AFO has set a powerful precedent for collaborative, community-led change still ongoing.
Driving Financial Inclusion and Leadership Excellence
Central to the AFSFF initiative is the empowerment of coastal populations through financial inclusion. In Q1, AFO’s formation of new Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) groups encompassing a strong 70/30 gender split favoring women and youth has transformed local financial practices. Baseline surveys in key groups established vital benchmarks for income, savings, and productivity, allowing for targeted future interventions.
Parallel to this, the election of gender-balanced leadership committees in three pioneering groups have cultivated internal accountability and set high governance standards. Complementary training sessions on VSLA procedures and leadership skills recorded outstanding attendance, reflecting both community commitment and AFO’s dedication to enhancing financial literacy and operational excellence.
Measuring Impact and Charting the Future
A detailed financial performance review revealed impressive total funds accumulation of more than TZS 3,000,000, a testament to the group’s disciplined savings culture. While standout groups already meet exemplary benchmarks, targeted follow-ups are planned to support those with room for improvement, ensuring no community is left behind. Additionally, prestigious funder visits by global partners, including representatives from ORRAA, DEFRA, and The Whole Planet Foundation, underscored international validation for the intervention’s impact, bolstering prospects for additional technical and financial support.
Anticipating a Transformative Q2
Looking ahead, Q2 PY 2025 promises accelerated momentum. AFO will enhance its data management systems, expand VSLA formation into previously untapped regions, and streamline more formalities. With a clear strategic roadmap emphasizing adaptive management, community facilitator training, and the comprehensive implementation of the AFO CLEAR Model (Engage, Build, and Finance), the initiative will transform coastal livelihoods and safeguard critical ecosystems.
Javis Bashabula
Communications and Knowledge Management Lead - AFO
