Indigenous Women in North Africa: Amazigh Women and Argan Oil

Amazigh women in southwestern Morocco have traditionally produced argan oil manually for culinary and medicinal purposes. The oil, known for its health benefits and high market value, has led to the establishment of women-only cooperatives since 1996, aimed at conserving argan forests and providing economic opportunities for these women. Despite initial benefits such as voting rights, profit shares, and access to literacy and health services, the control of argan oil production has largely shifted to the state and businessmen. Currently, 99% of argan forests are publicly owned, and about 95% of the women involved in production are limited to the traditional task of nut cracking.