Kenyan Women Herbalists Gain Support in International Edition (English)
A global effort aimed at assisting female entrepreneurs in cultivating and processing medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) was recently initiated in Nairobi.
The initiative focuses on assisting female business owners in growing and processing herbs and fragrant flora to enhance skills, foster innovation, and promote sustainable practices within Africa’s agricultural sector.
During the official unveiling of the initiative in Nairobi, Gabriel Adamek, who leads the NGO No Gravity, stated that their program would combine practical fieldwork experiences throughout Africa with professional seminars and online educational resources tailored specifically for the chosen women participants.
He stated: "This endeavor isn’t solely focused on agriculture; it’s about strengthening women, promoting innovation, and constructing resilient economies via global cooperation. This program aims to merge age-old farming wisdom with modern technological resources. By aiding women in remote areas, we address both economic disparities and ecological robustness simultaneously."
The program will similarly adopt digital transformation by integrating e-learning resources and online tracking systems to monitor advancement and facilitate ongoing education.
At the launch, Esther Ngina, who leads Herbspice Maket as its director and is also a partner in the MAPs project, mentioned that their initiative aims to focus on women hailing from marginalized arid and semi-arid regions. The objective is to equip these women with essential resources and financial capabilities needed for the implementation of the MAPs project.
She stated: "Our primary emphasis will be on underserved regions where women lack the essential funds needed for their sustenance. We aim to equip these women with vital information and resources so they can participate effectively in the MAPs and Essential Oils initiative aimed at providing medical benefits."
The additional health advantages associated with Microbial Agricultural Products (MAPs) are anticipated to boost their usage in medical formulations. Increasing preference for fragrant cleansing solutions and eco-friendly grooming items is likely to drive the consumption of household and individual care goods. Many of these distinctive MAPs originate from uncommon global flora and vegetation, some of which are challenging to cultivate or have become critically endangered due to extensive harvesting.