Womens Argan Oil Cooperative
Argan oil, or "liquid gold," is made from the seeds of the argan tree, which grows only in Morocco and provides a critical "green curtain" of forest protecting the southwest region from desertification. The womens cooperative we visited was an inspiring example of local community involvement in a project that combines income generation for poor women, environmental protection, and traditional skills.
"Since time immemorial, the women who live in arid regions — particularly in southwestern Morocco — have depended on this almost mythical tree. Its wood is used as fuel, its leaves and seeds as feed for goats. The tree has medicinal properties and its oil both nourishes and beautifies. Indeed, argan oil is reputed for its almost magical powers, but extracting it is difficult and time-consuming." --Narjis Rerhaye, Moroccan journalist
