Essential Oils
The MDG-F is working with the community organization FONAKISE, which represents 52 communities of the indigenous Kichwa people that produce medicinal plant derivatives. Producers are receiving technical and business training to help them adapt their products to market demands without compromising their traditions and cultures. Main products include essential oils, disinfectants, soaps and creams made with ginger, lemongrass or dried turmeric. All ingredients come from communities that produce raw materials in small gardens or farms.
"We’ve been working for 15 years. Now we’re producing items on orders for local hotels, and we’re also working on gender equity: women and men are both participating, " says Yuli Grefa, a producer of essences.