May 29, 2024

Empowering Women through Spice and Herb Cultivation: The ABCs of Damascene

Fresh Produce

Ethiopia

In Ethiopia's Southwest Region, an inclusive partnership between 2SCALE and Damascene is turning traditional medicinal practices into a thriving commercial enterprise. Starting with just 270 women, this initiative now supports 5,577 female producers under the leadership of Ms. Rahel, the Business Champion. This project has spurred economic growth by tapping into the untapped potential of local herbs and spices, transforming them into a sustainable source of income.

With the support of 2SCALE, Damascene has been able to provide these producers with training on sustainable farming practices and access to modern production techniques, leading to a significant increase in the productivity and quality of the spices and herbs. This has not only transformed the lives of these women and their families but also contributed to the economic growth of the region. Through the partnership, the traditional medicinal practices of the Southwest Region have been elevated to a commercial level, creating a sustainable source of income for the women farmers and a reliable supply of high-quality spices and herbs for Damascene.

This improvement has not only bolstered their livelihoods but has also contributed significantly to the economic development of the region.

Agribusiness Clusters (ABCs): Catalysts for Change and Accessibility

At the heart of this project's success are the ABCs - a network of producers, seedling suppliers, extension services, and aggregators, all orchestrated by Damascene. This framework facilitates access to resources, supports sustainable practices, and enhances product marketing for the Damascene spices.

The Keffa Development Association (KDA), a game-changer in the mix. They've joined forces as the Business Service Support (BSS), offering not just support but a catalyst for growth. Through facilitation of various trainings, provision of farm advisory services and strategic assistance, KDA is the secret ingredient that catalyse this powerful partnership.

Imagine the lush offerings: turmeric, green cardamom, thyme, lemon verbena, rue, basil, black cardamom, lavender—these gems are just a taste of what's available. What's more, the entire production process adheres strictly to organic methods, carving out an exclusive market niche for everyone involved in the value chain.

Empowerment through Production

Central to the spice and herb value chain are the women producers. These women are actively engaged in the production of spices and herbs at their backyards and add value before selling to the aggregator at a given aggregation center. Value addition is done by drying the spices using a standard procedure given from the aggregator and the product to conveyed to the aggregation center for sale. With the ABC structure in place, these women enjoy enhanced access to necessary resources, which allows for efficient production and easy sale of their goods. Immediate cash payments at delivery points ensure their financial security and boost their economic independence.

More than 3,000 women are organized into 10 cooperatives, creating a strong network for sharing experiences and managing challenges collaboratively. The governance structure of these cooperatives ensures operations are conducted fairly and transparently, fostering a supportive environment for all.

Challenges and Resilience

While the project has been largely successful, it has faced challenges, such as differing preferences for selling herbs either fresh or dried.

In mitigating this, Mrs Worqinesh Kidane, the women group representative said

The trainings provided, exposure visits, and participation in the different events of the partnership, helped us to become aware of the available opportunity and created better linkage with different stakeholders. The regular discussion they were conducting in the past coupled with sharing of experience among themselves were helpful.

Addressing this challenge, the partnership built shared facilities to ease the drying process, aligning production more closely with market demands. Even though the women's groups are in a position to express their interest and to negotiate, the government support organizations makes the agreement more fruitful and sustainable. When asked how they handle the business negotiation and enforcement,

It is more difficult for us to handle any interference and to continue in the absence of enforcing entity of the agreed contract and a strong witness to ensure all parties keep to their commitment and avoid interference.

They chorused.

The 2SCALE-Damascene Partnership stands as a testament to the power of strategic collaboration and women's participation in transforming traditional practices into lucrative economic opportunities. Through this ABC approach, women not only gain economic independence but also play a crucial role in reshaping the socioeconomic landscape of Ethiopia. As this partnership continues to evolve, it offers a resilient model for community-driven economic development, setting a benchmark for similar initiatives worldwide.

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