The Al-Auja Womens’ Cooperative was established in 2008 and aims to empower women in Al-Auja and the Jordan Valley. What makes the cooperative special are its two main products: banana leaf baskets and recycled bags. The beautiful banana leaf baskets produced by the women of the cooperative are unlike the traditional straw baskets as they are very soft and flexible. The other speciality of the cooperative is the making of purses and wallets out of plastic bags. Recently, the cooperative started producing banana leaf baskets on demand.
Due to water restrictions, Al-Auja farmers no longer grow banana trees, and have substituted them for less freshwater-intensive crops, like palm trees. While palm trees are still a water-intensive crop, it can tolerate much more saline water. However, banana trees are still grown in Al-Duyouk and Ein il Sultan, where water is more accessible for farmers. This allows the cooperative to still produce these very unique baskets and preserve a local tradition in the Jordan Valley.
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Products Selling Point: On location
Other Services: Hosting groups