The available resources in South Africa are severely limited. So we had to come up with a project idea that was not only profitable, but also required as little resources as possible. This brought us to the idea to grow rose geranium for the production of organic essential oils. Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) is an indigenous plant which only needs little water for its cultivation and grows in our local soil. Essential oils can be distilled from the leaves of the plants and is widely used in the cosmetic industry. It is also used as a medicinal plant and can treat various health conditions such as skin diseases, bacterial infections and mental issues.

To find a suitable piece of land, we had to walk a long way. But finally the chief of the community provided us with 1 hectare communal land, right next to a river, with fertile soil for our plants. During winter, we fenced the farm to keep domestic animals out. The next steps were ridging, discing and putting irrigation into the field. With spring, the team started planting 4500 seedlings. Eight month later, we accept our first harvest and we will be able to do cuttings for our nursery, which still needs to be build.

Aka'ani is mentored by Anti Manderson, the owner of the company 'Like Mountains', a producer and distiller of certified organic essential oils.

The aim of the Aka'ani program is to sell the harvest regularly to 'Like Mountains', who will process and sell it accordingly. Through the cultivation and sale of geranium plants as a supplier, long-term jobs will be created. The local women get the opportunity to buy seedlings from the Aka'ani nursery. As learned in the Aka'Ani workshop, they are able to start their own production in their home gardens and sell appropriate units back to us, which gives the families a good side-income.

To implement this cycle, we still need donors to be able to set up the nursery, where small seedlings from the mother plants can be produced.