The increasing demand for Morocco’s edible argan oil is providing economic and social benefits for rural communities but threatening the health and future of native argan forests.
Argan oil is derived from the seeds of the deciduous argan tree fruit. The oil is highly sought for culinary, cosmetic and medicinal purposes and can cost as much as $300 a litre.
The argan forests are most threatened by goats which climb the argan trees to eat the leaves. The more money people make from selling oil, the more goats they can buy.
Read more at University of California Davis