In northeastern Brazil, a traditional nut sustains communities
MARANHÃO :: BRAZIL
Harvesting babassu nuts is a tradition passed down through generations in Maranhão, a northeastern state in Brazil. Today, local communities—with support from WWF-Brazil—are using the nut to produce babassu oil and soap, creating an important source of alternative income that will help new generations defend their territory amid ongoing deforestation and conflicts over land.
Gathering fruit
A group of women walks among the palms in a babassu forest, equipped with protective gear and baskets, to collect ripe fruit in a way that respects the forest.
© Nay Jinknss / WWF-Brazil
Skilled work
Coconut breakers crack the nuts with skill and precision to remove the seeds. While they work, they often sing songs about their lives and struggles.
© Nay Jinknss / WWF-Brazil
In the factory
Workers operate oil-filtration machinery at a cooperative in the town of Lago do Junco. The final product is organic babassu oil. Automation ensures consistent quality and improves efficiency.
© Nay Jinknss / WWF-Brazil
Shelf-ready
Labels are affixed to pre-filled bottles.
© Nay Jinknss / WWF-Brazil
Creating with care
Nearby, at a factory run by the Association of Rural Women Workers of Lago do Junco and Lago dos Rodrigues, soap is made by mixing babassu oil with other ingredients and pouring the liquid into molds.
© Nay Jinknss / WWF-Brazil
Final touch
After drying, the soap is cut into bars and packaged for sale.
© Nay Jinknss / WWF-Brazil
© Shutterstock/pmvtisl
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