Moroccan Cooperative Revives Woodcraft, Keeps Youth Home

Mohamed Daddouh learned to carve wood from ancestors who worked with their hands long before anyone called it art. Now, as manager of the Adrar Netment Cooperative in Morocco's Taroudant province, he's turning that generations-old skill into paychecks that keep young people rooted in their communities.

The cooperative focuses on engraving argan and juniper wood into artistic pieces, drawing from the region's natural wealth of argan, juniper, olive, and almond trees. What started with just a few artisans has grown into a collective employing many craftsmen and young people, some earning steady monthly income without leaving their villages.

Daddouh chose argan and juniper wood for reasons beyond beauty. Prolonged drought has damaged Morocco's forest cover, and he saw an opportunity to connect craftsmanship with conservation. "Argan is not just a tree," he explains. "Moroccans understand its value, and our work reflects that importance."

For Daddouh, each engraved piece represents patience, skill, and creativity passed down through time. He insists the work is far more than manufacturing. "This work doesn't come easily," he says. "It is art and effort."

The cooperative recently showcased its work at the International Argan Tree Fair in late December, an annual event organized by Morocco's National Agency for the Development of Oasis Zones and the Argan Tree. The fair gives rural artisans visibility and shows younger generations that traditional crafts can open doors.

The Ripple Effect

By creating local jobs, Adrar Netment is helping solve a problem facing rural communities worldwide: young people leaving for cities because opportunities seem scarce at home. The cooperative proves that honoring cultural heritage doesn't mean sacrificing economic stability.

The environmental angle adds another layer of impact. Every piece of carved wood becomes a conversation about protecting Morocco's argan forests, turning customers into conservation allies.

Daddouh's advice to aspiring artisans centers on perseverance and commitment. He believes working with your hands, respecting heritage, and trusting in local potential can build a meaningful future without abandoning your roots.

Traditional crafts are finding new life when communities invest in them, one carefully carved piece at a time.