Introduction
In Fiji, the WiSE project works with communities, partners, and stakeholders to better understand seaweed value chains and support the development of sustainable, women-led enterprises. The work focuses on strengthening existing systems while exploring opportunities for innovation across production, processing, and markets.
Understanding seaweed value chains
Work in Fiji has focused on understanding how seaweed moves through local value chains, from harvesting and production through to markets and end use. This includes identifying key species, documenting availability, and exploring how seaweed is currently bought, sold, and used.
Key activities include:
- Market surveys to document species, pricing, and availability
- Sample collection and identification of edible seaweeds
- Mapping local value chains from production to market
Supporting enterprise development
In Fiji, there is a strong opportunity to build on existing seaweed activities to support enterprise development. The project works with local partners and communities to explore pathways for small-scale businesses, with a focus on strengthening women’s participation across the value chain.
This has involved:
- Engagement with community groups and women-led initiatives
- Identifying opportunities for value-added products
- Exploring pathways to improve market access and income generation
Production and farming approaches
The project is also exploring seaweed production approaches in Fiji, including opportunities to strengthen existing farming systems and trial new methods. This includes a focus on resilience, environmental conditions, and the suitability of different materials and techniques.
Activities have included:
- Assessing existing farming practices and conditions
- Exploring improved methods for seaweed cultivation
- Supporting discussions around future farming trials
Key insights
Work in Fiji highlights the importance of strengthening connections between production, processing, and markets. While seaweed has long been present in local systems, there are clear opportunities to support more structured and scalable enterprise development.
At the same time, ensuring that approaches are locally relevant and inclusive remains critical, particularly in supporting women’s roles across seaweed value chains.
Looking ahead
Future work in Fiji will continue to build on these insights, with a focus on supporting enterprise development, strengthening value chains, and identifying opportunities for sustainable growth across seaweed systems.