Moroccan professor helps set up women's argan oil co-operatives
2006-11-21
Moroccan argan tree expert Dr Zoubida Charrouf feels the argan tree is a vital Moroccan resource with many uses. She is trying to combat deforestation of the argan through setting up women's co-operatives to produce oil and raise international recognition of the product.
By Farah Kinani for Magharebia in Washington – 21/11/06
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Dr Zoubida Charrouf, a professor at Rabat's Mohamed V University, is trying to help save Morocco's argan tree by increasing recognition of its oil and setting up women's co-operatives to plant more trees and cultivate oil.
She first became interested in the argan tree while in France. She explains, "At the end of the 19th century, a French writer who had studied the argan nut said the tree contained an active principle. Between then and the start of my research, no one had tried to investigate this principle." She became more passionate about the argan as she discovered more molecular substances unique to it.
Charrouf received a doctorate studying argan trees and became one of the first people to campaign to save it. She believes all parts of the tree can be used to provide a source of income or food for those who exploit them.
"As well as an environmental role, the argan tree plays an important socio-economic role," she told Magharebia.
Charrouf spent 15 years setting up the first-ever argan oil processing co-operatives in villages of Tamanar and Tidzi.
She was motivated to "value women's expertise and protect argan oil, which has always been undervalued and sold at roadsides despite its nutritional, pharmaceutical, therapeutic, cosmetic and environmental benefits".
"Women have always produced argan oil. There were jobs for men in the co-operative, but the women had decided to recruit only women because mixing of the sexes is frowned on in these parts of Morocco," she noted.
"When I announced I was planning to set up the first co-operative, the men weren't too happy about their wives going out. When the women began bringing home money, men started coming to me on their wives' behalf," Charrouf recalls.
She currently works with the Moroccan government to support the involvement of women in rural and sustained development.
"An agreement has been signed between the High Commission for Water and Forests and the Targanine co-operatives on argan replanting and developing argan tree cultivation through forest re-spacing," she noted.
Charrouf's other main activity is campaigning for better management of argan products and increased recognition of argan oil.
"I would like to see argan oil given the status of Appellation d'Origine Contrôlé (AOC) … We meet all the requirements for being an AOC … If it can be achieved, only oil produced in the region according to the proper criteria can be called argan. This will contribute to the development of the region and the conservation of the argan forest," she stated.
While some people worry argan oil's growing popularity could lead to overexploitation, Charrouf counters that the experiences of other countries show reforestation rises with product demand.
"It's the financial value of a tree that motivates people to replant it … Our national output is 4,000 tonnes per year. We'd need 400 co-operatives to produce this amount, and we're not there yet," she pointed out.
In Morocco the argan is known as the "tree of life" because of its many beneficial properties. The argan forest provides a living for around 3 million people, including 2.2 million in rural areas.
"It provides stability for the rural population and is thus slowing down the rural exodus," Charrouf explained.
Morocco is witnessing a reduction in the area and density of its argan forest. Since the beginning of last century, its area has been reduced from 1,400,000 hectares to 828,000 hectares. The density has fallen from 100 trees to 30 trees per hectare, with Charrouf estimating that 600 hectares are lost every year.
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idoute Posted 2006-11-21
I read the article on argan oil in Morocco. I live in Paris, and I am interested in this project. I know argan very well. I would like to contact Mrs. Charrouf. Would you be able to help me? Thank you, Magharebia.
Charrouf Posted 2006-11-23
Prof Zoubida Charrouf, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, xxxx Website: www.targanine.com
David Posted 2006-12-02
Hello. Do you have the contact details of Mrs. Charrouf? We would like to do an article on this women, a real Moroccan. Thank you in advance, David G.
فلاح حسن Posted 2006-12-06
Madam! I am a high school student in Morocco. I would like to know about the geological time of the blessed Argan tree. Thank you
lmadani Posted 2006-12-27
Thank you very much for your efforts! however, there is a problem. Your hard working women do not get paid adequately, this is a serious problem for these hard working women. I hope you address this issue. I personally know some women who have not been paid for 6 months. Thank you Teacher
meryame Posted 2006-12-27
Hi, I am Physics and a chemistry student and I want to work on a subject about the argan oil, but for that I will have to conduct some experiments. My research is based on the effect of argan oil on the skin and its efficiency regarding the aging process. I would like to have the contact information of Mme Charrouf and visit the faculty if possible. You should know that I do not reside in Morocco but I will be there for this period of l'Eid. Thank you
soufiane Posted 2007-01-12
My name is Soufiane, I study organic chemisty in France.
youssef Posted 2007-01-22
All you wrote is fine, I had an opportunity to meet Mrs charrouf personally, she is a shadowless person. Ask the women of the cooperative, they’ll tell you a lot about her.
Saghou Benkhamou Posted 2007-01-29
Are Dr Charrouf's publications available in Algeria? An "arganish" bravo to this woman, who is not at all "past her prime" in my opinion. I have many compliments, but this is the second, after the bravo given to Mr Bellakhdar.
saida Posted 2007-02-13
hello i'm a student in bacaloreat i have i research about argan's tree,and i'm very intrested to find out some information and u research help me a lot besides,i choose this subject for two reasons ,first of all that i'm a from tafraout that enjoy with a lot of argan tress and the second reason this subject is very importan in our country because morocco is the only one with an other country countain argan
toufik Posted 2007-03-03
This is a good subject and i think it is nice to hope the best for this Moroccan Arab, but there are a few risks. Thanks.
rihab Posted 2007-03-28
Salam, I'm a university student in the city of Agadir making a research about Argan tree, I need some information, I'm in the beginnings of my study. I would like to receive from you information on the topic (way of plantation, research sites...), many thanks.
Naima Posted 2007-03-31
I met Mrs. Farah Kinani a few years ago, and I am happy to see her again via this site. Could I get in touch with her? I am a Moroccan working at the international level (UN NGO) on many projects relating to Morocco, my experience in the field could be of interest to your readers. Thanks, Naima.
سعاد بنلهبيل Posted 2007-04-06
I hold a doctorate on the subject of the Argan tree. I've been unemployed for 3 years... I like the Argan tree but can't find a solution. I have a tree in my house, I planted it- it's 1 meter long. I live in the town of Youssoufia, it can be planted here if done in a correct and scientific way.
Kamal Posted 2007-05-10
Hello everyone. I am a plant enthusiast. I would like to know how to plant Argan. I have not managed to do it yet, but I know it can be done. If it is possible, could someone, please, help me. I would be grateful.
essadia morchid Posted 2007-06-07
Hi Nouessadia, We have a farming coop. We would like to produce cheese and butter, but we need funding and education. -Thank you
مغربي Posted 2007-06-09
People have worked in this field from very long ago..but in this country importance is given only to an elite monoplizing everything.. The professor did nothing more than a scientific robbery as our professors are used to stealing the researches and studies of the students.
abdelkhalek laouane Posted 2007-08-14
I live far from Morocco, but, having read this article, I really appreciated the efforts and ideas of Zoubida Charouf to find work for the people and, at the same time, protect nature.
هاني بركات Posted 2007-08-30
I’m very happy with the interest of Arabs in their natural wealth and preservation of their national resources. I had the opportunity, as a Palestinian young man, to visit Ait Bamrane and buy a considerable amount of oil which I took to Palestine thanks to God. Everyone who received some of this oil thanked me. I hope that our Arab and Moroccan brothers will introduce this oil and its virtues namely in the cosmetic field and clearing the complexion as this will save the Arab nation a lot of money. Your brother Hani Barakat, Palestine, Ghaza.
إبن أركان Posted 2007-09-06
I wonder: why all this noise for Argan? By God, you're mocking and what mockery! Cherouf isn't a researcher, but a nightmare for everyone working with her and who isn't aware of her intentions. You understand what I mean, my sisters in co-operatives.
josep rabascall Posted 2007-09-18
I am from Barcelona in the Tarragona region of Catalonia. He we have a truly nice variety of olive oil called arbequine. But what I am really interested in is argan oil. I have known about this oil for some time and for five years now I had been trying to get a tree bearing argan seed. In Tarragon the climate is Mediterranean: very warm and dry, and I am happy to finally be able to plant this tree and thus bring a little bit of Morocco to Catalonia. We need to preserve this relic and give praise to those women who keep on working to preserve or culture through argan.
فاطمة Posted 2007-09-19
This Dr Cherouf is a strong woman; I heard much and much about her. But what I want to say is that everyone who has some success is envied.
صدقي بندحو Posted 2007-10-20
I notice that the secret of Argan oil is still mysterious, are there any other discoveries about this product. Thank you. Casablanca on 20/10/2007.
kawtar raxi Posted 2007-10-21
Does Argan oil have any effects on losing weight? Please let me know. Thank you.
uae Posted 2007-11-12
Unfortunately we hear about it and its benefits, but it's not available in the Emirates! Also, we can't distinguish between genuine and fake oils... May God assist you inchallah to protect it... But my question is : do the leaves of the Argan tree have any benefits when eaten??
said Posted 2007-11-18
A man from Taroudant, I sell authentic Argan oil and I ask the officials to ban those who sell unauthentic Argan. Thank you.
melvin Posted 2007-11-18
Most nut oils are good for skin. Some have quicker results and some need catalysts tp produce desired results. As long as oils are not transestrified completly in the cosmetics making process the resuls will be good. Argan oil price provides some leverage here and hence it is more desirable other wise olive oil is equally good.
Bioui saida Posted 2007-11-25
Hello, I would like to start an argan oil co-operative in Morocco. I already have argan trees! I would like to know what are the next steps to follow? I need your help, if you have any advice.
hmad Posted 2007-12-01
Thank you!!!
مصطفى Posted 2007-12-06
It’s so odd to see a traitor lauded and a righteous person condemned. Cherrouf, for those who don’t know her, is an opportunist. As evidence, I’m a son of the region of Agadir, and I know co-operatives with which she works and whose products she markets. You need only visit one or two of the co-operatives with which she works, reluctantly, and you’ll see that she buys Argan oil at 100 dirhams and sells it for her account at 300 dirhams just because she has an internal and external market. I ask anyone willing to collaborate with any co-operative to visit the region and he will know that Targanine and the like give more importance to the choice of attractive slogans in order to exploit the poor and compound their misery.
saida Posted 2007-12-11
thank you
علي Posted 2007-12-19
The choice of my research, as a son of the region, comes from my conviction about the importance of this tree. I am a student at the centre of educational planning, in Rabat. I was born in Essaouira. I would like to research the contribution of women co-operatives of Argan oil in recruiting manpower, namely women and in the development of the region in general. I would like to have your help on some statistics about these co-operatives: number of workers, turnover… as well as their role in raising awareness about the importance of preserving the forest heritage of this sacred tree. I would be very grateful to receive this as soon as possible.
Askour Abdelouahad Posted 2008-01-05
im a social activist in Morocco, im a member of many associations, and we have just found a cooperative of producing argan, where 50 women are going to work in , and i want some information about how these cooperations works
بوجمعة Posted 2008-01-07
I’m a university student, the branch of economics and management. I’m starting a research about everything related to Argan tree and oil namely because the region to which I belong produces this product but it’s not exploited in a good way. Moreover, I’m looking forward to establishing a cooperative with many activities. Can we get some kind of assistance from you sirs or from any other side. Thank you.
aubry francine Posted 2008-01-10
Hello, I just watched a commentary on “Envoye Special” and, as a president of a humanitarian organisation, I would like to help some women set up a cooperative. This would be in a far off village so that “Europeans” do not come hunting. Thank you for helping them and me.
rachid06 Posted 2008-01-23
I’m Rachid from the region of Northern Chiadma, a region rich with Argan trees. I hope to set up an association for the protection of Argan trees and good use of its product. Therefore, I ask you to inform me about some facilities and procedures I can follow. Thank you.
Hafida Posted 2008-01-24
I have carefully read all of the comments preceding this one. In sum, Morocco is a country with a lot of potential (e.g. human, cultural and geographic wealth as with the argan and various landscapes). But, like always, we are allowing our wealth to be exploited by others, who are doing so to the detriment of our population. When are we going to open our eyes and say “Stop!” to all forms of injustice!? Indeed, it is like these women who work in argan cooperatives: they are most definitely paid, but not like they deserve. These women have never seen a salary of 50 dirhams in their life! Not to mention, this means a household revolution for them. And, for the client coming from France to buy the oil and resell it to cosmetic companies back home, it is a jackpot, a real bargain! When will we stop being screwed over? When they want to help development such as it is, they do it with a minimum of morals and conscientiousness. Do not forget that Allah is great and all-knowing. -Goodbye
ضراب الكبين Posted 2008-03-04
I want information about Morocco and Argan tree please with greetings.
مينة Posted 2008-03-06
Give me articles about the Argan tree.
jamila Posted 2008-03-17
hi i intersting when i read this article im from agadir the capital of argan forest we know that the situation of argan forest is terrible so we can do something tegother not alone
ahmed Posted 2008-04-19
Hi I am a student in the 5th grade. I am conducting research on the Argan tree. I am interested in the way to find information and your research was of great help to me. I am from Tafraoute and I am fond of Argan trees. This subject is very important in my country because Morocco is the only country where there are Argan trees.
_عطر الليالي_ Posted 2008-06-10
Salam alikoum. Morocco is a nice country and rich with its resources. I hope that the forests of Argan trees will be preserved and exploited in a good way for the interests of the Moroccan families. Argan oil is great and incomparable. I have tried it and the result has fascinated me after one week so I decided to continue its use. I no longer need these expensive French creams. I advise every woman to try Argan oil.
larbi Posted 2008-06-21
I am Larbi from the region of Tafraoute, Sahara. Argan oil is wonderful. We must preserve it. In my village, praise be to God, it is available though not abundant. But we don’t have an association which is concerned about it. I want to cooperate with someone so that we set up an association there so that we give some value to the Argan oil to make the people of the village profit from it. We want to make its production good because there are still some people who don’t know its value. I hope from God to grant me success to create an association which can benefit everyone because there is no substitute for Argan oil. Thank you very much.
basha Posted 14 days ago
The first thing I ask of officials in the administration is to be an example to citizens. This means that they should be humble and respectful… I wanted to work in Spain, but this has changed now. The proverb says: the tar of my country is better than honey of other countries. We ask God Almighty, it is Him who provides for us. Thank you.
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