Seaweed's contribution to food security in low- and middle-income countries: Benefits from production, processing and trade

• Seaweed production globally has grown rapidly in recent decades. • Most growth was in Asia, but there have been production increases in Africa and Latin America. • There is growing attention to the potential for seaweed to provide non-terrestrial nutrients without the need for land, freshwater, or chemicals. • This paper explores opportunities and challenges relating to the farming and commercialization of seaweed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). • Data gaps and coverage impede a full understanding of trends and patterns in what is produced or consumed . • There appears to be potential for seaweed-related activities to grow in many coastal LMICs. • That said, such activities would contribute more to food security through income effects than as inputs to diets. • Seaweed can be a high-value export crop contributing to LMIC food security by increasing export potential and household purchasing power.