For Women by Women
Our Argan and Cactus seed oils are produced by the women of the Al Amal women's co-operative.
Al Amal is a self governing, democratic women's cooperative founded in 1991 for the purpose of improving the economical situation of local Berber women.
Al Amal's co-operative meeting and production facility is located in Ighrem, a small rural village at the foot of the Anti-Atlas mountains in the Tiznit province of Southwestern Morocco.
The population of the village is mostly Berber, which are the indigenous people of North Africa’s Maghreb region. Ighrem is surrounded by Argan forests – a beautiful and quiet - albeit impoverished place.
Before the Al Amal co-operative was established, there was very little economic activity in the village. Women lived humble lifes, tasked with taking care of their homes and children, with little to no prospect for education and personal development.
The success of Al Amal has considerably changed the dynamics in the village. Due to the profitable production and sale of Argan oil, the newly empowered village women not only improved the economic situation of their families, but also lifted their social standing within the community.
Women of the Al Amal Co-operative celebrate with a traditional dance during sunset.
Argan tree reforestation in the semi-desert: Al Amal members plant new Argan trees with the financial support of World Artisan Guild
Harvest time: Members of Al Amal collect Argan fruit between July and September
Argan Village Impressions: Ighrem, Tiznit Province, Southern Morocco