The argan tree is an endemic woodland species found in Morocco's Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve. Women and, to a lesser extent, men within the reserve extract argan oil from its fruits using traditional methods.
Woodlands of argan trees provide forest products, fruits, and fodder, as well as edible leaves and fruits. Morocco's argan tree (Argania spinosa L.) produces oil from its kernels, which is used for dipping bread at breakfast, drizzling over couscous, and as a cosmetic. In addition to traditional medicine and complementary therapies, oil is used in the culinary and cosmetic industries.
Despite the unique argan-based agroforestry-pastoral system using only locally adapted species, the system relies on traditional water management provided by the Matifiya, a rainwater storage facility carved into the rock. In this way, it contributes to climate change mitigation and adaptation as well as the conservation of biodiversity.
Argon is one of the rarest oils in the world and is named the "liquid gold" of Morocco because of its multiple uses in cooking, medicine, and cosmetics. It has been scientifically proven to prevent cardiovascular diseases and benefit the skin. There are traditional methods used by people in the reserve to extract argan oil from the fruit of the tree.
As part of these operations, fruit is harvested, dried, pulped, ground, sorted, milled, and mixed. The hand mills are manufactured by local craftspeople. The mixing involves the gradual addition of warm water in precise amounts.
All aspects of the culture pertaining to argan trees contribute to social cohesion, understanding between people, and mutual respect between communities. For example, the cultivation of the tree, oil extraction, the preparation of recipes and derived products, and the crafting of traditional tools for the various tasks. In addition to being used in the preparation of festive dishes, argan oil is given as a wedding gift.
For centuries, the argan tree has been a staple of Berber and Arabic-origin rural communities, helping them to develop their own culture and identity. Through non-formal education, they shared traditional knowledge and skills, particularly those specific to the traditional production of argan oil by women.
The argan tree greatly improves resilience and plays an important role in achieving sustainable development in terms of economic, social, and environmental dimensions. The sustainable argan production sector is vital to the economic empowerment and inclusion of rural communities, especially women. Cooperatives contribute to local job opportunities and can play an important role in improving food security and ending poverty.