In the heart of rural Morocco, YAMNA Women's Cooperative stands as a beacon of empowerment and innovation. YAMNA is a women-led cooperative, pioneering the use of nutrient-rich oats in traditional foods. Our partnership with YAMNA through Rich Crops Action Labs (RCAL) is transforming lives and communities through innovative agriculture.
Founded by a group of determined women, YAMNA has grown from a small community initiative into a thriving cooperative that's changing lives through the power of nutrient-rich oats. Our journey with Rich Oats Africa, now part of RCAL, has allowed us to blend centuries-old culinary traditions with cutting-edge nutritional science. This unique combination has not only enhanced our products but has also opened new economic opportunities for women in our community.
At YAMNA, they're not just producing food – they're nourishing our community and empowering women - and we're proud of the tangible difference they're making. Here's how our work is making a difference:
1
Economic Empowerment
Members of YAMNA have gained financial independence through their work with Rich Oats. Their cooperative structure allows them to participate in every step of the process, from growing to selling. We're proud that their work contributes to the local economy, with many of them seeing significant improvements in their household incomes.
2
Nutritional Improvement
Their products, made with AVERY oats, are packed with nutrition. They contain twice the protein and up to three times the iron, zinc, magnesium, and folic acid of traditional oats. YAMNA takes pride in knowing that every couscous they produce is contributing to better health in their community.
3
Community Development
YAMNA's success is their community's success. In 2023, they processed 1.3 tonnes of Avena magna oat grain, creating new jobs for their neighbors in production, packaging, and distribution. Their new milling machine has allowed them to produce even more, opening up opportunities for more women to join their cooperative.
4
Sustainable Agriculture
By working with climate-resilient crop varieties, they're helping to secure their community's food future. Their Rich Oats varieties yield up to 20% more than traditional crops, allowing them to produce more food while respecting their land.
Working with RCAL, YAMNA has incorporated Rich Oats into their traditional recipes. These innovative oats offer a significant nutritional boost compared to common varieties:
This means every bite of their products not only tastes great (preferred by the local community) but also significantly boosts nutrition for their community. By choosing YAMNA products, you're not just enjoying delicious traditional foods - you're contributing to better health and livelihoods in rural Morocco.
At YAMNA, nestled in Zaouait Cheikh, the team takes pride in being at the forefront of the Rich Oats program. Their success showcases what’s possible when women are empowered in agriculture, and they are excited to be part of a global movement.
Through their partnership with the Rich Crops Action Lab (RCAL), they have learned that similar initiatives are starting in Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, aiming to replicate the success seen in their work.
Specializing in oats, YAMNA produces their signature couscous and zmitta, and they are thrilled to hear that RCAL is working on improving other crops like barley and wheat. By 2027, the aim is to reach 20,000 smallholder farmers across Resourced's focus countries, benefiting over 170,000 consumers with improved nutrition and economic opportunities.
YAMNA is always seeking new opportunities to grow and improve. Currently, they are in the process of getting their oat flour certified, which will open doors to larger markets and supermarkets across Morocco.
Every bag of couscous they produce represents more than just food – it’s a step toward a more nourished, empowered community. YAMNA is proud of its roots in Zaouait Cheikh and excited to be part of a movement that’s improving lives through better agriculture, not just in Morocco but potentially around the world.
To learn more about YAMNA’s work and its impact, they invite interested parties to download their annual report, which is filled with insights into RCAL and their contributions toward a more sustainable and nourished future.
Meet Sakina, one of RCAL's advisors and a supporter of YAMNA. Watch as Sakina shares why including and prioritizing the farmer in the breeding process is so important.
YAMNA thrives because of the incredible women who lead with passion and purpose.
Meet just a few of the women of YAMNA - the driving force behind a mission to nourish communities and create new opportunities. These incredible women blend tradition with innovation, building a better future for their families and beyond.
Zahra Oualou
Member
Zahra Fawzi
Member and Producer
Zahour Chakouch
Secretary
Yato Oumou
President
Saadia Hamdoun
Assistant General Secretary
Saadia Hamdoun
Assistant Secretary
Rabha Mimouni
Member and Producer
Nuzha Al-Gharbawi
Treasurer
Halima Oum Saoud
Member and Producer
Hafiza Oumou
Vice Treasurer
Hadda Bazi
Member and Producer
Fatima Brihi
Member and Producer
Fatima Al-Ayashi
Member and Producer
Aicha Oualou
Member and Producer
Join Us in Nourishing Communities
Our goal is to improve lives worldwide through innovative breeding techniques and improved crop varieties. We're not just developing better crops; we're cultivating a future where food security, nutrition, and economic empowerment go hand in hand with cultural heritage and sustainable agriculture. Your support can help us expand this transformative work, empowering more women and nourishing more communities around the world.
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