Health problems related to algal bloom among seaweed farmers in coastal areas of Tanzania
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Date
2018-08
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Academic Journals [Commercial Publisher]
Abstract
There is a scarcity of research-based data on the factors associated with skin irritation due to algal
blooms in seaweed farming. Changes in temperature with an increase in nutrients levels lead to the
growth of harmful algal blooms, which produce many active metabolites, some of which induce toxic
responses in human including skin irritation. The objective of this study was to identify health problems
experienced by seaweed farmers and the seasons when they occur, and how these are treated. A cross-
sectional study design was used to gather data using structured questionnaire, focus group
discussions and key informant interviews. The study was conducted between June and August 2015, in
six villages, two from Mainland, and four from Zanzibar Islands, Tanzania. Study revealed that seaweed
more than 50% of farmers experienced skin irritation problem, followed by 30.4% who had eye related
problems, and only 19.6% had respiratory disorders as the most serious. Hot season, which is
associated with algal blooms, was the period with the highest occurrence of skin irritation. No specific
medication was used to treat the health problems reported. In some severely affected areas, farmers
could not tend to their farms for months, a situation which affected their income. It is suggested that
the findings from this study would reduce this knowledge gap and motivate stakeholders especially the
policy makers to implement measures, which reduce the health problems observed due to algal blooms
in the seaweed farmers.
Description
Keywords
Algal blooms, cyanobacteria, seaweed farming, seaweed farmers, skin irritation, Tanzania.