پی دی اف گیاهان دارویی عطاری آنلاین عطارمارت

شبكه خبرى آموزشى گياهان دارويى
CASE STUDY 1
Organic hibiscus production, Senegal
Agriculture in Senegal’s dry tropical savannah relies on fragile soils and sporadic
seasonal rains. Unlike other crops such as millet or peanut that require heavy doses of
chemical fertilizers and pesticides, hibiscus is a low input crop and is hardy, requiring
little water.
Hibiscus flowers are a vibrant red colour with floral berry-like aroma and a pleasantly
tart taste used in teas and cool drinks. Fresh hibiscus can be used to make wine, jelly,
syrup, chutneys, beverages, puddings and cakes. When dried it is used in teas, jellies,
ice cream and even to flavour butter.
Hibiscus production has been a part of the Senegalese economy for many years.
However, drying methods were unhygienic and there were few quality controls in
place. The crop was seen as secondary and low margin.
Since 2004 ASNAPP (Agribusiness in Sustainable Natural African Plant Products) has
been working in conjunction with other local and international development agencies
to improve standards and expand the export market. Yields have been improved via
improved cultivation methods incorporating the use of organic compost.
Prices have improved by 40 percent and there are now over 5 000 resource limited
farmers in cooperative groups, many of whom are marginalized women, growing
hibiscus in various areas of Senegal producing over 700 tonnes. Contracts have been
secured with soft drinks companies in South Africa, France and California.
ASNAPP have now also acquired organic certification for the growers and intends
to gain Fair trade certification as well as continuing to develop and nurture the vital
market linkages to sustain the enterprise.
A hibiscus production guide can be downloaded from
http://www.herbs.org/africa/hibiscus_production_manual.html
Source: ASNAPP (Agribusiness in Sustainable Natural African Plant Products). (Available at
http://asnapp.org.za/index.php/component/images/stories/index.php?option=com_content&view=
article&id=53:hibiscus-adds-colour-to-womens-group&catid=37:senegal&Itemid=64 )
38
www.medplant.ir