- From mangrove reforestation to solar power, Tumbatu’s people are relying on a mix of generational knowledge and innovation to protect their future
TUMBATU, Tanzania
Mariam Said Ali, a 33-year-old mother of three, stood barefoot on the sun-scorched shore of Tumbatu island, a bundle of seaweed clutched in her hands.
Behind her, the vast Indian Ocean shimmered under the afternoon sun, calm yet holding a quiet threat.
For generations, this crescent-shaped island off the northern coast of Zanzibar – a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania – provided its people with rich fishing grounds, fertile cassava and maize fields, and steady trade winds for traditional dhows.
But those days are slipping into the past.
“God created this ocean to sustain us,” Ali said, her voice tinged with frustration. “But now, it feels like He has turned away. We suffer through drought, and when the rains come, they flood everything and leave destruction in their wake.”
Ali’s story reflects the growing struggles of the 12,000 residents of this close-knit community of fishers and small-scale farmers.
Climate change has upended their lives, threatening a centuries-old harmony with nature, and rising sea levels, unpredictable weather, and declining fish stocks now jeopardize their survival.
An island in peril
About a decade ago, Tumbatu’s environmental challenges began to intensify. The sea crept closer to homes, saltwater seeped into once-fertile fields, and fish stocks steadily dwindled.
In 2017, a devastating combination of torrential rains and rising sea levels flooded much of the island, submerging homes and destroying crops.
Ali Suleiman, a village elder, recalls the devastation vividly. “At first, we thought it was the will of God, but then we learned it was something bigger,” he said.
Fishing, once the heartbeat of Tumbatu’s economy, has become increasingly difficult. Fishers who relied on generations of maritime knowledge used to haul in bountiful catches of tuna, snapper, and barracuda.
Today, their wooden dhows return nearly empty, as the warming ocean has pushed fish into deeper, cooler waters, far beyond the reach of their small boats.
“What used to take a few hours now takes the whole day, and we come back with almost nothing,” said Suleiman.
Seeds of change
Faced with an uncertain future, the people of Tumbatu have begun to fight back – not with force, but with adaptation and innovation.
Ali was among the first to embrace new solutions after attending a workshop hosted by Community Forests Pemba, a local non-profit.
There, she learned about sustainable fishing practices, agroforestry, and solar power – concepts that were once foreign to her community.
“They taught us valuable lessons that have helped us take control,” Ali said. “We don’t have to wait for the government’s help to protect our livelihoods. That’s something in our own hands.”
Her first step was leading mangrove reforestation efforts along Tumbatu’s fragile coastline. Mangroves are nature’s defense against erosion and storm surges, while also providing vital breeding grounds for fish and other marine life. Every Saturday, villagers wade into the brackish water to plant mangrove saplings.
“At first, people thought we were wasting our time,” Ali admitted. “But now they see the results. The tides are less destructive, and fish are slowly coming back.”
To replenish declining fish stocks, the community introduced seasonal fishing bans and established no-fishing zones. Initially met with skepticism, these measures are now beginning to yield results.
“I resisted in the beginning because I thought they were taking away our livelihood,” said Hamisi Juma, a lifelong fisherman. “But now I see the fish are slowly coming back.”
Fishers have also adopted larger mesh nets, allowing juvenile fish to escape and grow.
“We must always think about the future,” Juma added. “If we don’t change our attitudes, there won’t be any fish left for our children.”
A new dawn with solar energy
Renewable energy has also transformed life on Tumbatu, as a regional initiative has given many households access to affordable solar panels.
These panels provide power for homes, schools, and cold storage facilities, eliminating the need for costly and polluting kerosene lamps. For fishers, solar-powered lanterns have made nighttime trips safer and more productive.
“Solar lanterns stay charged for a long time,” said Mohamed Kisule, a fisherman. “They help us save money and survive.”
Beyond lighting homes and boats, the solar project has created new jobs for young people. Ahmed, Ali’s eldest son, now works as a solar technician after receiving training through the program.
“We help the community and also earn something to sustain ourselves,” Ahmed said, proudly adjusting a solar panel on a neighbor’s roof.
Women at the helm
Traditionally, fishing has been a male-dominated livelihood on Tumbatu, but women have emerged as leaders in climate adaptation.
Ali leads the Tumbatu Women’s Collective, a group dedicated to sustainable practices and women’s economic empowerment.
The collective has introduced raised-bed kitchen gardens to combat the effects of saltwater intrusion, allowing families to grow spinach, tomatoes, and other vegetables.
They have also launched salt production and started crafting energy-efficient clay stoves to reduce deforestation.
“We cannot depend on our husbands for everything,” said Fatma Maftaa, a member of the collective. “We must also do something for our families and protect the environment.”
Global struggle
Tumbatu’s story is not unique. Across the globe, small island communities are grappling with rising seas, severe storms, and shifting ecosystems.
For Tanzania, where agriculture and fishing are economic mainstays, the stakes are especially high, and coastal communities that depend on fragile ecosystems are among the most vulnerable.
Mary Khatib, a climate scientist at the State University of Zanzibar, emphasized the urgency of addressing these challenges.
“I commend local residents in Tumbatu for taking actions to protect their livelihoods and to cope with extreme weather,” Khatib said.
“Their resilience is remarkable, but resilience alone is not enough. They need resources, education, and global support to adapt to climate change.”
Khatib underscored the importance of blending traditional knowledge with modern science.
“Mangrove restoration along the coast and renewable energy projects are good examples of what can be achieved with the right approach,” she explained.
However, the community’s fight is far from over, as scarce resources and limited access to government support continue to threaten their progress.
As the evening call to prayer echoes from the mosque, Ali joins her neighbors, her hands clasped in quiet reflection.
“We are a small island,” she said softly. “We rely on Allah for everything. He is merciful, hears our prayers, and shields us from harm.”
Yet beyond prayer, Tumbatu’s residents are proving that resilience, innovation, and community action can carve a path forward – even as the tides continue to rise.
