Morocco's argan tree gets a boost
2007-10-26
Nearly 18 months on, the Tamounte project to plant and educate Sousse residents about the argan tree continues to show promise. Organisers hope the oil's growing popularity on the international market and better conservation efforts will contribute to the tree's sustainable cultivation.
By Imane Belhaj for Magharebia in Casablanca – 26/10/07
 [Getty Images] Moroccan women crush argan nuts to make oil. The argan tree is unknown to many people since it grows only in the south-western region of Morocco. |
A forestation project for the argan tree which began in March 2006 is being assessed for a report due to come out in January 2008. The Tamounte conservation project has involved the planting of 42 hectares with more than 6,700 seedlings of the threatened species.
The argan tree, once believed to have covered much of the Maghreb, is now found only in south-western Morocco. Reportedly, only 8,600 square kilometres of the tree remain, and it is disappearing at an estimated rate of 500 square kilometres per year. Although the tree's nuts provide husks for livestock and oil for cooking and medicinal purposes, many of the trees have been cut down for firewood and to clear land for other agricultural uses.
Tamounte project director Mohammed Bendaoud told Magharebia the main thrust of the operation lies in reforesting the argan tree while preserving its economic contribution to the regional economy. Argan oil is used in Moroccan cuisine and medicine and has grown popular in Europe and North America for both cooking and cosmetic purposes.
Bendaoud said the Tamounte project embodies a participatory approach in order to involve local residents in the development process. Haphazard exploitation runs counter to the project's goal of using the tree as a sustainable economic resource, he said, and in addition to fencing off the planted region, the project focuses on sensitising residents of the Taksibt area in Belfaà to the need to preserve the tree.
The 24-month project provides residents with technical training on preparing and planting the argan tree and the management of natural resources.
Bendaoud said the planting process has been 92% successful and that for the first time inhabitants are planting argan trees on their private property in an effort to reap the added value the tree's oil can provide when sustainably harvested. In the past, preservation efforts have been largely led by foreign organisations.
The project is a collaborative effort between local agencies and the Network of Argan Biosphere Reserve Associations (RARBA), the Agency for Social Development in Morocco, the European Union and the German Technical Assistance Agency (GTZ).
As the species is now found almost exclusively in the Sousse region and continues to disappear quickly, UNESCO classified the tree in 1999 as a world heritage, warranting care and attention. The organisation helped create a reserve for the tree through the activities of local civil society. Since then a number of programmes have been implemented with the aim of involving local residents in protecting the tree and offering support for the responsible extraction of argan oil.
Looking forward, argan enthusiasts hope to create a map of tree locations to encourage travel agencies and professionals to bring tour groups to the region to explore the mountains and learn about the conduct, traditions and customs connected to the tree. This type of ecotourism, in combination with argan oil's growing popularity abroad, may be the key to preserving the species.
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Mohamed EL BAKI Posted 2007-10-28
“Argan-oil manufacturing in South Morocco” Argan is an exceptional tree and belongs to am agricultural heritage specific to Morocco. Any initiative or plans to protect and cultivate these tree is more than welcome: it would aid in the economic and industrial development of my region, Sous-Massa-Draa.
boris Posted 2007-12-12
I have just done a report about a co-operative. I had the opportunity to meet great women who produce Argan oil. I have photos available for any project connected to the Argan tree, one of the fabulous riches of this sublime country. –Boris
mohamed sabri Posted 2007-12-23
You forgot to speak about the role of the Al-Wahda Taksbite organisation, which has undertaken actions to sensitize the population since 2000 in order to convince them to preserve the Argan trees. You have also forgotten the role of the organisation in the field. It would be impossible for this project to succeed without the sacrifice of the members of this organisation and the owners of the cultivated lands.
djamila Posted 2008-02-13
Hello, I am conducting a small investigation into argan oil. I would like to know what price you think it should be sold at for European countries.
nadia Posted 2008-03-23
The Argan (green gold) is a noble tree. It is a legacy specific to Morocco’s agriculture. "As Mr. Mohamed El Baki said", so we need to create and present an initiative to protect it from European competition. Well, I am intending this message for the Chlouh Berbers, who prioritise its cultivation. To put it simply: this is their native region. -Good luck
قراش محمد Posted 2008-04-10
Peace, mercy and blessings of God upon you. Can I establish a co-operative or associative branch in the region where I live? This rich and special tree is abundant there. Thank you.
حسن Posted 2008-04-26
This site is great. I wish it success and thank you for providing this information to us.
كريمشريف Posted 2008-05-01
The argan tree is special.
Abdelaziz Zeroual Posted 2008-05-11
Hello, I am a young economic analyst. I am 22 years old. I plan on creating an argan oil co-operative in southern Souss in collaboration with French clients. Please, I would like a lot of information about my future project. Please contact me should you be interested.
الباز Posted 2008-05-17
A militant greeting to all militant men and women. I am from the region of Souss in particular from the region of Chtouka Ait Baha and I am at the same time concerned about Argan tree. I consider the Argan tree as a human being…I have one question, what do you think about the news we heard recently about cutting down many Argan trees in the region of Essaouira (Ihahane)?
amehdar mustapha Posted 2008-05-22
Hello Everybody, I am a young student/researcher in the field of argan transplantation. I am doing my first lesson in argan transplantation in the region of Souss. I have now transplanted 1000 trees without having a single idea about any region. For more information, visit www.arganierspinoza.canalblog.com. Thank you
نادية Posted 2008-06-07
Thank you very much for your interest in preserving Morocco's raw products. I would like to ask you to advise me. I want you to provide me with an email address to give it to people abroad in order to get in touch with you. Thank you very much.
aziz Posted 2008-06-08
If this is the case, then I want to buy Argan trees. But, I do not know how. Can you help me, please?
Houda Posted 2008-10-30
Hi everybody, i would like to know why we can not sell it here in Europe ! i'm really interest on it because i'm living actually in Spain and people here don't even know if it exists as oil...can anybody tell me the real reason ? i'm Morrocan and also Chelha . My intention is not its cultivation it's just selling it. Thank you.
Cristina Fabregas Posted 2008-12-01
I live in a high desert area in California. Where can I get these trees to grow. I have the plants that grow in Spain so I think argan would grow well here. I am attracted to its legacy to nature. Thanks, cristiiina
عمران Posted 2008-12-14
I hope that the numbers of this tree be increased because it is an important resource economically and environmentally. Thanks to those who are concerned.
سوزان Posted 2008-12-14
I am from the region of Souss. I am very interested in the Argan tree because it is associated with the Souss region. Therefore, it should be protected.
anass Posted 2008-12-27
I am one of the young people who has the strongest will to protect Argan tree.
hamza Posted 2009-01-06
Please protect this tree.
mohamed Posted 2009-01-22
Salam alikum. I am a student and correspondent reporter here in “California”. I work for the magazine American’s ecology. I am a Moroccan Amazigh. I was born in Inezgane, Agadir. I have been working for a period on drawing world reports and researches about the threat of depleting the green gold (Argan tree) in Souss. I ask please the students, teachers, professors…anyone interested in environment, anyone who loves dearly his nation and concerned about every inch in the land of his forefathers to contribute with me by all means with comments, positions, pictures, information
عود Posted 2009-01-29
The topic is very fascinating. Very nice. Thank you. But I wish that photos were joined to the topic.
Jacques TURCHET Posted 2009-02-13
Hello- I think that it is time to stop this massacre of the argan tree, which is part of southern Morocco’s food resources. We absolutely must replant this tree before it is too late, because currently the consumption of argan oil (given its well-known virtues) is developing globally and the inhabitants of southern Morocco need this product to ensure them a source of income. I addressed this problem a few months ago. There is a lot of work to be done in organising and creating nurseries and plantations. For those who are of the same mind as me – and I believe that the inhabitants of southern Morocco will be, because it is their and their children’s patrimony and future – please contact me. I know Morocco and the problems it has in its South, but nothing is unsolvable with some good sense and a little sweat. –Jacques Turchet, agricultural engineer
سميحة Posted 2009-02-28
I am a citizen from Morocco but I live in Bahrain. I have noticed a high demand for Argan oil in my store and I want to extend my activity. I want you to provide me with information about its benefits for the skin. Thank you.
jkjk Posted 2009-03-05
In order to establish a report. It is expected...
yassine Posted 2009-03-06
We thank you for this comment.
mly hafid Posted 2009-03-07
I am at the service of all young people concerning Argan tree from plantation to marketing. I have worked on the topic in Argan Souss Association for development and Protection of the Environment. 25 women association benefited from our programme in the region of Souss Massa Draa. I still work on it in developing an innovation method and gathering efforts. I have also defined it in the Arab world and in Asian countries in special conferences for environment, development and food. My greetings.
hind Posted 2009-03-25
I love Argan because it is good for the health and muscles.
tarassboulba Posted 2009-03-31
Good evening everyone- I would like to know if argan trees will grow in Spain. Please respond.
الأمين Posted 2009-04-01
I produce this great oil. I care so much for the great Argan tree.
thitrite Posted 2009-04-01
No, Mr Trassboulba, Morocco is the only region in the world where the argan tree grows. It is strange, but that's how it is.
si tahar Posted 2009-04-02
No, Mr Thitrite, the argan tree also grows in Algeria and does so in large numbers in Tindouf, Béchar and Biskra.
وهيبة Posted 2009-04-20
No, Argan tree grows only in the South of Morocco where there is the adequate climate which is semi-arid. I am from the region of Souss. I live there and I notice a “violence” against this tree: grazing, use of wood, picking the fruit, fodder for the livestock… If we are wise, there are limits to patience. we must stop over-exploiting Argan tree.
jamal lamine Posted 2009-05-03
Concerning the project of Argane in Taksbit village, Belfaa, lands belonging to a family were dominated without prior notice. At present, this family have entered into a conflict to the point of legal proceedings with Sabri Mohamed the chairman of Al Wahda Association Taksbit.
اريد ان اكون فلاحة Posted 2009-05-12
Salam alikum. I want information about how to plant this tree in the north of Morocco exactly in the Rif region. I want also information about the difference between rosemary and lavender.
mouhamed Posted 2009-08-07
Ahwash association in Tiznit organized the first festival of Argan with the Royal Institute for Amazigh Culture on 1/2/3/08/2009.
حنان Posted 2009-11-02
Thank you my brothers for this great topic.
chaima Posted 2009-11-03
How are you? Thank you for this information. Thank you very much.
aziza Posted 2009-11-21
i like argane thanks morocco
asoma Posted 2009-12-05
I am an Amazigh woman. I love Argan oil. I thank you for this topic because it is very good.
ñoño Posted 2010-01-08
Thank you.
siadi Posted 2010-01-28
Thank you for the interest that everyone has in the argan tree, which our friendly country gave us. Why isn't this tree included in the reforestation programme throughout Morocco’s territory? -Sincerely
bouchra Posted 2010-03-11
Salam alikum. Thank you very much for this nice topic. May God reward you with good. I want to know from where I can get argan saplings because our village is on the outskirts of Essaouira. May God reward you.
omar Posted 2010-03-21
I really think this is good research.
فاطمة الزهراء الزيتوني Posted 2010-03-29
I am Fatima, Moroccan citizen. I want to thank you for this initiative and all the trouble it took you to find this topic, which I will publish in the magazine of the school if the teacher agrees.
جواد Posted 2010-04-14
Salam alikum. I am not very interested about Argan tree. However, I was astonished and my mind totally came to a halt about a reality which concerns generations and generations. I visited a relative and was astounded at what I saw. I won’t be redundant and go directly to the point. I saw that the protector is the robber. Forests and rural commune approve cutting down over 2,000 Argan trees. The reason is to raise funds for the commune by cutting down 2,000 Argan trees, all with good yield and which exceed 200 years in age, just for coal! This is a real catastrophe! I won’t talk about details and reasons. While we are protecting the environment, forests are being destroyed, and what a forest: Argan forest! To whom it may concern: Those concerned about the country and Argan tree in particular should interfere and stop this masquerade in any way possible. If you want to know more, please visit more, visit the region in Douar Zaghou, commune of Ait Issa, Machikhat Ait Mellal, caidat Tamanar, province of Essaouira. You can go there via Tamanar in the direction of Souk Khemis Akmhand.
يحي المرغاني Posted 2010-04-18
I am proud of this tree endowed to us alone by God in the world. Unfortunately, we didn't give it its real value. Foreigners come from Europe and America to take advantage of it financially and morally. I am sorry and cry for this tree, which cries for help “Oh help, oh Moroccans, save me, I am in danger!” You, Moroccans, must protect your tree, which is the symbol of your country, its history and the living of its sons. Protecting this resisting tree means protecting its sons. Salam alikum noble people.
Awafa Posted 2010-04-20
I hear conflicting things about the argan tree: the tree and the traditions around it must be protected and, at the same time, argan oil production needs to be increased because everybody wants some of it! To all those who really want to protect the argan: The entire world will not know of and use the oil so long as it is produced in one small region of Morocco. The Earth is not an infinite resource and nature is not a wallet. It is nice to expand the cultivation and that the women are making an income off of it (even if it is through intermediaries who sell it in Europe and line their pockets). But, beware, don't go too far! Otherwise, the fad for argan will lead to its loss.
BEN Posted 2010-04-23
The argan tree is also a cultural product belonging to the Amazigh identity. All around the argan tree, customary gestures and local histories have been built, as well as a way of living. Its principle enemies are herds of goats that destroy this very robust tree, as well as the galloping urbanisation, which has paved the way for real estate developers. These Amazighs defend the Amazigh-ness as a language, but do not pay mind to the symbols. Argan must necessarily be protected.
soumiya Posted 2010-04-25
I'm a young girl. I live in southern Morocco. I want to start an argan co-operative. I am in the right location, but I need help. What should I do?
Jacques TURCHET Posted 2010-07-23
Salam. The argan is part of southern Morocco’s heritage. It allows a few families to live and work and feed their animals (goats, in particular). We absolutely need to preserve this tree and stop cutting it down. Do not make the mistake of killing your heritage and your land. You need to group yourselves in small co-operatives and make quality oil without any chemical products and without any heat extraction, so as to use it for organic consumption. We have more and more products from organic agriculture, and you still have the chance to not be overly polluted by chemicals. Use this tool and work to get this production label. I often go to Morocco for development aid missions because I'm retired. I notice that the production of this oil is industrialising and does not meet organic standards. I would like to give you some advice that you need stick in your memory: All virgin olive oil that is heated becomes saturated with hydrogen, which leads to it becoming saturated fat. This is very harmful to our circulatory system. Only oil obtained by simple cold presses is beneficial to our diets. Oil obtained through chemical solvents is not recommendable because it no longer has much nutritional value and traces of the solvent will always remain. One thing is for sure, you must work for the organic label by doing craft production. It is for sure that you need to get to know this label. You also need to work with the pulp of the fruit, which has medicinal properties. I began working with this pulp, but a lack of time diverted me from it, unfortunately.
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