Women earn extra income through coconut oil extraction project
In the Jangamo district of Mozambique, coconuts are plentiful and grow throughout the year. A Plan-supported project is teaching women in Mozambique how to use these coconuts to earn an income, by producing oil for sale at local markets.
The project
Women from 7 communities between the ages of 18-60 were initially selected for a Plan-supported coconut oil extraction project. Plan provided training on how to produce the oil and all of the materials necessary for start-up. The women also received support with the packaging, marketing, branding of their product.
The process used to extract the oil is simple: The contents of the coconuts are removed, blended with water, and then left out in the sun for several days. The oil from the mixture floats to the surface, while the coconut debris sinks to the bottom. Once the oil comes to the surface, it is sieved to another container, packaged and ready for sale.
The coconut oil produced is 100% natural and does not contain any chemicals; it can be used for cooking, soap production, and animal and livestock feed.
The results
Because the coconut oil is so easy to produce, and doesn’t involve use of any machinery, it can be done within the home while the women attend to other household duties. The women in Mozambique have been successful in generating income used to supplement household requirements, and have been very happy with the process, the simplicity and the results.
When asked if they were making money from the project to better support their families, the women all smiled, nodded yes and even did a little jig in illustration of their happiness.
Future plans
Due to the initial success of the project, Plan hopes to extend the program to engage more communities in the production process, and encourage income sharing amongst the participants.
Plan will continue help the women in the Jangamo district to commercialize the project to sell not only in Mozambique, but across borders as well. Further training will be provided to help the women with book-keeping and tracking profits after operational costs, and linking with relevant government departments to support the wider market for the product.
Learn more about Plan’s work in Mozambique.
