Dryland Solutions: Unlocking Ocean Opportunity

Dryland Solutions is empowering women and young people in Somalia's coastal communities to transform their futures through seaweed farming and ocean-based enterprises.

The Challenge

Climate change and overfishing have devastated families dependent on the sea. Women face the harshest barriers—historically excluded from fishing and marine work, they've had virtually no access to income from ocean resources.

A Turning Point

Everything changed through community conversations. Women expressed genuine enthusiasm for learning to swim, exploring the ocean, and farming seaweed. Their readiness to acquire new skills and earn independent income revealed an untapped opportunity.

The Solution

Our research identified ideal coastal conditions for seaweed farming. This sustainable crop requires no freshwater, feed, or fertilizer—and actively improves marine ecosystems by absorbing carbon. A transformative learning visit to Tanzania and Zanzibar showed Somali participants thriving women-led seaweed businesses, proving what's possible.

Moving Forward

We're launching hands-on training, pilot farms, and market connections. Women and young people will lead as farmers and entrepreneurs, building skills, generating income, and protecting their coastal environment.

The Vision

By scaling seaweed farming across Somalia's coastline and connecting local farmers to markets, we'll create sustainable jobs, strengthen family incomes, and unlock genuine opportunity for Somalia's blue economy.