Nancy Iraba of AFO, Speaks at National Geographic Explorers Festival

In June 2024, Nancy Iraba, a Marine Scientist from Aqua-Farms Organization (AFO), spoke at the National Geographic Explorers Festival. Her presentation focused on the importance of building partnerships and collaborations to tackle existing inequalities in ocean research and conservation, particularly for the global south.
Nancy emphasised: “We need to invest in African marine scientists so they can explore the ocean without feeling limited.”
Founded in 2017, AFO is a youth-led, non-governmental organisation based in Tanzania. Its mission is to replenish aquatic resources through community-based conservation and nature-based sustainable aquaculture practices.
Currently, AFO is hosting a Tanzania Dive Lab, with the goal of certifying 6 Divemasters and over 20 Open Water scuba divers, fostering local expertise in marine exploration.
With ORRAA’s support, AFO is also working to build more resilient livelihoods by implementing deep-water tubular net seaweed farming technology. This initiative is facilitated through microcredit and saving schemes which empower local communities. A significant focus of the project is to train women in seaweed production using tubular nets, improving their financial literacy and enabling them to add value to their crops.
Through initiatives like those led by AFO, the future of marine science and sustainable aquaculture looks promising, with a focus on inclusivity and resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
Learn more about ORRAA at oceanriskallia...