<P> Much of the argan oil produced today is made by a number of women's co-operatives . Co-sponsored by the Social Development Agency with the support of the European Union, the Union des Cooperatives des Femmes de l'Arganeraie is the largest union of argan oil co-operatives in Morocco . It comprises 22 co-operatives that are found in other parts of the region . </P> <P> Employment in the co-operatives provides women with an income, which many have used to fund education for themselves or their children . It has also provided them with a degree of autonomy in a traditionally male - dominated society and has helped many become more aware of their rights . </P> <P> The success of the argan co-operatives has also encouraged other producers of agricultural products to adopt the co-operative model . The establishment of the co-operatives has been aided by support from within Morocco, notably the Fondation Mohamed VI pour la Recherche et la Sauvegarde de l'Arganier (Mohammed VI Foundation for Research and Protection of the Argan Tree), and from international organisations, including Canada's International Development Research Centre and the European Commission . </P>

Where does argan oil come from and how is it extracted