Seaweed farming in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) is among the
income-generating activities; apart from seaweeds being primary
producers, they are foundation species important for marine ecosystem
capable of modifying their surrounding abiotic and biotic environments.
The WIO coast provides natural and necessary environments for seaweeds
farming. In this review article seaweed farming in WIO was investigated;
its contribution to provision of ecosystem services; medicinal and
nutritional value; role of women; challenges and the wellbeing of
farmers and the whole ecosystem. It was observed that among the
challenges facing seaweed farmers include lack of modernized farming
tools hence farmers use low depth areas leading to attack by diseases,
death of seaweed, low yields, and income. Farmers has been reported to
be affected by diseases which may be contributed by inadequate of use of
protective gears, indicating the need for knowledge on personal
protection. This may be contributed by lack of knowledge which leads to
farmers participation without using protective equipment leading to
contamination from toxic chemical compounds from seaweed, epiphytic
bacteria or harmful algal bloom and absorbed heavy metals from seawater
as a result of long-term exposure. Farming practices such as uprooting
of seaweeds during farm preparation have been observed to cause
degradation and decrease fish population. Therefore, there is the need
for use of modern technologies; supervision of these activities by
professionals in the field, and provision of knowledge to farmers for
the sustainability of WIO marine ecosystem.