JEWELS FROM THE SEA

What was the economic situation of the women of Zanzibar before they sought solutions for their problems?

• They had abundant wealth from tourism.

• They made very little money and were impoverished.

• They were self-sufficient and did not need money.

• They earned enough money from farming their gardens.

What caused the dramatic decline in the number of oysters in Zanzibar?

• Pollution from nearby industries.

• Over-harvesting by the women.

• A natural disease affecting oyster populations.

• Changes in ocean currents.

What was the initial step taken by the women to address the declining oyster populations?

• They stopped harvesting oysters completely.

• They sought help from marine scientists.

• They started farming seaweed instead.

• They moved to a different island.

What new business venture did the women of Zanzibar undertake after learning about the value of oyster shells?

• Selling polished shells as decorative items.

• Farming new types of seafood.

• Creating and selling jewelry from shells.

• Opening a tourist guide service.

What is a mabe pearl, and what was a significant challenge in cultivating them?

• A type of pearl found naturally in deep ocean waters; they were difficult to find.

• A pearl created by placing an irritant inside an oyster; they had to be cultivated underwater.

• A pearl formed from seaweed; they required special farming techniques.

• A pearl that grows on land; they needed specific soil conditions.