Supporting Argan Tree Sustainability: Donate 7% of Orders to Charity for Empowering Moroccan Communities

The High Atlas Foundation (HAF) is actively engaged in promoting sustainable agriculture and local development in Morocco, particularly through capacity building and community-driven projects. One of its key initiatives is planting 6,624 argan trees across 40 hectares in the Khatt Azakane Commune in Safi Province. This project, supported by FRE Skincare, focuses on empowering local communities, especially women, by creating economic opportunities through argan oil production.

Project Highlights:

Economic Impact:
  • The project creates 320 new jobs, including positions for 120 rural women who process argan nuts into oil within 10 cooperatives.
  • It supports approximately 48,000 working days for locals, with the wider argan oil industry benefiting around 3 million people in Southwest Morocco.
  • Additionally, the argan trees contribute to cattle nutrition, boosting rural income, while the oil is a luxury product in high demand.
    Environmental Benefits:
    • Argan trees are crucial for preventing soil erosion and desertification, as their deep roots stabilize the soil in Morocco's arid environment.
    • However, threats like overgrazing due to increased livestock numbers can impact soil and climate balance in the region.

      Social and Cultural Role:
      The argan tree is deeply intertwined with Moroccan culture, particularly among the Amazigh and Arab-origin indigenous communities. It serves as both a source of livelihood and a cultural symbol.


      Sustainability Plan:

      To address the time gap before the argan trees bear fruit (in approximately 5 years), HAF planted 13,442 caper plants, which produce fruit within a year. This provides a faster return, generating 1,100,000 MAD in annual revenue and supporting the community’s income while the argan trees mature.


      Environmental Impact of Capers:

      • Capers are drought-tolerant and can thrive in Morocco’s challenging conditions. Their extensive root systems help to prevent soil erosion and stabilize fragile ecosystems.

        Long-Term Vision:

        Through its partnerships and collaborative efforts with local cooperatives like Tounarouse, HAF aims to create a sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural model that benefits both the environment and the people. By promoting agroforestry, the project not only enhances economic prospects but also strengthens community resilience and preserves cultural heritage for future generations.

        This initiative is a crucial step towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for Moroccan rural communities, offering long-term economic, environmental, and social benefits.

         

        Read more https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/argan-nursery-and-forest-essaouira/#menu