Argan oil can cost up to $ 300 per liter, making it the most expensive edible oil globally. Just 20 years ago, however, argan oil production was divided among Moroccan citizens, who sold the area for only three dollars. But since then, the formation of women-owned cooperatives has transformed production into a multibillion-dollar industry. With the help of cooperatives, traditional skills held by Amazigh women have created financial independence in a male-dominated society. However, women typically make less than $ 220 a month - below Morocco's low income.
Argan oil is widely used in high-quality cosmetic products and Moroccan food. Oil from the argan tree seed, the only native in a small semi-desert section between the Atlantic coast of Morocco and the Atlas Mountains. The Amazigh people of North Africa have used argan seeds for centuries, and ways to build this expensive oil it has not changed over the years. Once collected, the argan fruit is dried in the sun before disassembly and removal by hand to remove the outer layers of water. The remaining argan nut then needs to be broken up to find an oil-rich candle inside.
The next phase grinds, which is usually done by hand. The gourd that has been removed from the fruit sold as animal feed, especially goats, is internally connected to the argan tree. In some areas, it is customary to allow goats climbing trees to feed on fruit freely. Argan seeds are then collected in their wild, crack-open nuts by hand. But nowadays, in many argan forests, this unique concept is widely used as a tourist attraction
. Traditionally, Amazigh women, who in 1956 needed a man's permission to leave their homes, make argan oil mainly for cooking purposes using methods passed down from generation to generation. This art oil was occasionally sold on the sidewalk in recycled bottles for just $ 3 a liter.
Zoubida Charrouf first read the argan tree of his Ph.D. in the late 1980s, when this species was in a dangerous decline. After doing scientific research supporting the benefits of softening argan oil on hair and skin, Charrouf's plans to change the environmental crisis have become an economical solution. Indeed, a rapid increase in the popularity of argan oil benefits the region and rejuvenates the whole environment. New respect for the importance of argan trees ensures the stability of the species, too; the wildlife around it and the community reaps the benefits.
Argan tree, known locally as the "tree of life," provides food, shelter, and protection from rust, and its deep roots prevent the erosion of the earth, allowing vegetarian grass to grow fodder for livestock. It is estimated that up to 90% of the economy in the region owes argan tree. In just one generation, the international market for argan oil increased from only 200 liters to 4,000 metric tons by 2019. By 2025, the government's ambition selling more
Then 10,000 metric tons.
Argan cosmetic and cooking oils are commonly labeled as "pure" even though there are undisclosed percentages of Argania oil kernel blend containing many chemicals. Like any expensive ingredient, argan oil products are often contaminated. And it's cheaper; oil is mechanically produced, has begun to emerge in the marketplace for as little as $ 22 a liter, and threatens local co-operatives' stability. However, other cosmetic giants, such as L'Oréal, are committed to equity trading programs to help ensure the sustainability of their argan oil and forest conservation. To facilitate this increase, the oil production area expanded more than 100 miles south of Essaouira due to an increase in the north. With the help of co-operatives, traditional skills held by Amazing women, it has created a growing industry.
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