Study of the argan oil value-chain in Morocco, in particular the dynamics and strategies of actors Morocco

Context of the service

The argan oil value-chain in Morocco has been targeted by the "Governance, Companies, Organizations and Sustainable Development" (GEODD) program because of the sustainable development discourses associated with it, particularly in the context of the Social and Environmental Responsibility (CSR) policies of European companies.

Indeed, the sector is often adorned with social virtues (women's cooperatives, foraging traditions), environmental virtues (preservation of biodiversity) and economic virtues (sources of income for local producers and contribution to the country's economic development).

In reality, the sector is the bearer of a certain number of ambiguities located on these three registers: social, environmental and economic.

Services provided

By combining bibliographic analyses and field data collection, the expert prepared a comprehensive report dealing with the following aspects:

- History of the structuring of the value-chain and political issues (bilateral and multilateral cooperation, emergence of women's cooperatives, etc.),

- Development strategy for the value-chain led by the Moroccan State (Agricultural Development Agency - ADA, National Agency for the Development of Oasis Areas and the Argan Tree - ANDZOA) and the Regional Council of Souss Massa Drâa,

- Analysis of the issues surrounding the Protected Geographical Indication "Argan" (IGP Argan) and the dynamics of actors within the Moroccan Association of IGP Argan,

- Detailed presentation of the argan oil value-chain and its main players (Moroccan and international private individuals, cooperatives, collectors, etc.) and the products marketed (edible oil, cosmetics, by-products, etc.),

- Analysis of the argan oil value chain,

- Stumbling blocks with the market gardening sectors.

Summary of the service

Study of the argan oil value-chain in Morocco, in particular the dynamics and strategies of actors in the sector: History of the structuring of the sector and political issues; Development strategy for the sector led by the Moroccan State and the Regional Council of Souss Massa Drâa; Analysis of the issues surrounding the Protected Geographical Indication "Argan" (IGP Argan); Critical analysis of the paradoxes of sustainable development within the value-chain.