Women in Malaysian Seaweed Industry: Motivations and Impacts

Malaysian development plans have often emphasised the importance of issues relating to women’s position in the society. In the context of the seaweed industry in Sabah, East Malaysia, a capacity building programme has been initiated by the government agencies, which is known as the Mini Estate System (MES) and the Cluster System (CS) with the aim to transform the conventional seaweed cultivation activity to a new approach based on scientific technology. In this programme, local seaweed cultivators use modern technology to improve their skills and knowledge. However, with regard to women’s participation in the seaweed industry, few new capacity building programmes have been introduced. Therefore, this article analyses women’s participation in the seaweed cultivation activity implemented through MES and CS in two islands, Selakan and Bum Bum, in the District of Semporna, Sabah. The qualitative research approach with indepth interviews and participant observation were applied in this study. The results of the study indicate that women participants through MES and CS received few key benefits. The benefits gained by the women include: (1) enhancement of knowledge and skills of a new approach for seaweed cultivation activity, (2) improvement of monthly income, (3) enhanced awareness in their involvement in multiple business opportunities, and (4) increase of systematic management at the workplace by attending various workshops and seminars. In terms of policy and practical implications, this study suggests that continuous support from various stakeholders including government and private companies are vital in order to Velan Kunjuraman et al. 50 sustain the seaweed industry in Malaysia, as well as to enhance rural community development, especially among women.