Porter’s Five Forces Analysis of Zanzibar’s Seaweed Industry

Aim: This study intended to analyse the Zanzibar seaweed industry’s (ZSI) profitability potential by adopting Porter’s five forces industry analysis framework. The objective was identify factors in its structure contributing ongoing primary challenge of low returns.
 Methodology: conducted on island United Republic Tanzania. A case design approach adopted. study’s sample consisted farmers, exporters and officials from government institutions linked industry. Seaweed farmers were selected through multistage quota sampling. Exporters chosen based experience, i.e. at least years operations above. Government purposive convenience utilised both secondary data. triangulation adopted for data collection. Data done thematic analysis, descriptive statistics literature review. Results adapted into framework further analysis. threat level each force determined weighing their corresponding driving factors, respondents rated final results perceived level.
 Results: found that has potential. Threats emanate lack entry barriers, several available cheap high-performing substitutes, switching costs high bargaining power buyers suppliers. government’s role promoting activities is almost non-existent. Similarly, production methods be still traditional. Innovative minimal. In terms opportunities, remains a viable economic alternative rural Zanzibarians due capital requirements short cycles. increased income improved health nutrition exists if domestic markets are established. growing global demand carrageenan also signals revenue growth ZSI source gender empowerment Zanzibari women.
 Conclusion: Zanzibar’s result structure, system absent Revolutionary (RGoZ). Due unique nature challenges, generic strategies unsuitable. Hence, this recommends creating guiding business strategy marketing plan guide activities. customer base should diversified expand buyer options minimise risks associated with Rhodotypa market’s oligopolistic conditions. creation regional crucial. step give necessary support, primarily policy. Additionally, diversification export products establishing extraction industries vital.