摘要：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 sustain the seaweed industry in Malaysia, as well as to enhance rural community
development, especially among women.
