Marrakech – Fatima El Mahni, president of the women-led cooperative IGBAR, shared insights into the cooperative’s journey and the vital role of argan in local communities during the Fourth International Argan Fair in Agadir.
Founded in 2006 in the Taroudant region, the cooperative started with just 17 women and has grown steadily to 27 members today. “The cooperative began as a way to support women in rural areas,” El Mahni explained.
“Argan has always been a source of livelihood for women. By organizing ourselves into a cooperative, we were able to expand the benefits beyond individual families to the wider community.”
Mahni recounted the early challenges of establishing the cooperative. After losing her husband and taking on the responsibility of raising five children, she began selling argan oil from a small shop.
“The idea of forming a cooperative came from my desire to create a sustainable framework for women to earn a living and preserve this cultural heritage,” she said.
Over the years, the cooperative has focused on both quality and innovation.
El Mahni emphasized the importance of transforming argan beyond raw oil, ensuring it reaches fair market value, stating, “Argan should not just be sold as raw oil. It needs to be valued, whether as an enriched product for food or cosmetics. This ensures women receive proper compensation for their work.”
The cooperative has also been instrumental in supporting the next generation.
Mahni highlighted the impact on families, education, and youth employment, adding that the work of women in the cooperative doesn’t just provide income, it allows their children to study, gain opportunities, and stay connected to their region.
Reflecting on the cooperative’s achievements, Mahni underlined the importance of solidarity, patience, and perseverance.
She highlighted that without the long-term dedication of our members, we wouldn’t have reached this point.
The cooperative is the lifeblood of their community, as it strengthens social ties and creates a model for other regions.
