Houria Chouhab

HAF Field Officer

In the heart of the village of Zaouit Cheikh, nestled amid lush greenery and the rich aroma of medicinal herbs, a remarkable transformation is taking place. Lahlinou and Yamna cooperatives, driven by a deep connection to their land and a desire for economic self-sufficiency, embarked on a journey that would not only change their lives but also the face of local cosmetic production.

In this blog post, we explore the incredible impact of technical training on cosmetic manufacturing with Lahlinou and Yamna cooperatives, where they harnessed the power of local medicinal and aromatic herbs to create unique, high-quality products.

Lahlinou and Yamna cooperatives are more than just economic enterprises; they are the embodiment of resilience. Located in regions with a rich diversity of medicinal and aromatic herbs, these cooperatives recognized an opportunity to leverage their natural resources to produce cosmetics with a unique local twist.

The journey began with technical training provided by the local expert Khadija Barakat in mid-July of 2023. Over the course of this training, the cooperative's members learned the art and science of creating cosmetics, including the intricate processes of making distilled water and macerated herbs.

This newfound knowledge was a game-changer, as it allowed them to translate the healing properties of their local herbs to marketable products. Local medicinal and aromatic herbs serve as the cornerstone of Lahlinou and Yamna cooperatives' cosmetic production. These herbs, long cherished for their healing properties, have been used for generations by the local communities for various ailments. Now, they have found a new purpose in the cooperatives' cosmetics.

To witness the impact of the technical training firsthand, we recently visited Lahlinou and Yamna cooperatives. What we found was inspiring. Both cooperatives were hard at work applying the skills they had acquired to create a range of cosmetics from healing balms to fragrant herbal soaps.

A third cooperative benefitted from the same training, and they concentrated on using the unique products in their commune, Demnate. Walking through the Tislite Nourtane Cooperative in Azilal province, the air was filled with the gentle scents of lavender, rosemary, and thyme—testaments to the herbal treasures being used in their products. It was evident that the cooperative was not just producing cosmetics; it was crafting stories, preserving traditions, and fostering sustainability.

The impact of technical training on Lahlinou, Yamna and Tislite Nourtane cooperatives has been profound. These communities, once struggling for economic stability, now have a sustainable source of income. Moreover, they are now participating in exhibitions and responding to higher demand for their products.

Of course, the journey has not been without its challenges. Access to resources, market competition, and changing consumer preferences are all hurdles the cooperatives face. However, their resilience and commitment to their mission are unwavering. They plan to diversify their product range, expand their market reach, and continue building bridges with the community.

The story of the Lahlinou, Tislite Nourtane, and Yamna cooperatives is a testament to the transformative power of technical training and the strength of community spirit. Their journey inspires us to look at cosmetic manufacturing not just as a business venture but as a means of preserving culture, empowering communities, and promoting sustainability.