Feed yourself, care for yourself and beautify yourself with the same plants

Using African plants to create sustainable cosmetic and nutritional products
Green Technologies
Thies
Senegal

The initiative, which focuses on women, seeks to identify new uses for traditional African medicinal plants, as well as growing them and processing them in innovative ways. The active substances contained in the plants can be used in numerous ways for cosmetic and food products, such as oils and loofahs, which are then sold in pharmacies and specialised shops. Women are trained in processing the plants and in handicrafts such as sewing and embroidery.


The initiative also raises environmental awareness, protects natural resources and exploits them in a sustainable manner.

Eco-Inclusive Impacts
The initiative improves the lives of the rural population by equipping women with the skills to transform plants into raw materials for cosmetic and health products and training them in handicraft production.
  • Improving living conditions in rural areas by improving the skill sets of women.
  • Enabling access to local and international markets and reducing migration to cities by providing stable income opportunities.
  • Helping protect the ecosystem through capacity building and community education.
  • Formalising the goal of sustainable agricultural production and environmental protection in a local community agreement.
  • Generating sustainable and equitable income.
  • Diversify further the production and consumption of traditional plants within Africa.

 

Partners

The initiative, which focuses on women, seeks to identify new uses for traditional African medicinal plants, as well as growing them and processing them in innovative ways. The active substances contained in the plants can be used in numerous ways for cosmetic and food products, such as oils and loofahs, which are then sold in pharmacies and specialised shops. Women are trained in processing the plants and in handicrafts such as sewing and embroidery. The initiative also raises environmental awareness, protects natural resources and exploits them in a sustainable manner.

The Dr Marie Dialo Laboratory is the founder and driver of the initiative, including the research into new uses for African plants.

Association ASKANE is a transformative women’s group operating in the Thiès region.

Baobab de Saveurs provides technical support for agricultural production and community development.

Awomi supports the initiative financially.

Union des Femmes Chefs d’Entreprise du Sénégal provides support for capacity building.