Ibtissem Mahtout and Amira Messous work on an eco-friendly smallholding near Algiers, which is a rare initiative in Algeria’s male-dominated agricultural sector. They are seen picking fresh strawberries and tomatoes together.
Having graduated from university four years ago, they decided to leave the capital and start working on a small patch of land in Douaouda, located 30 kilometers (18 miles) to the west.
Messous, 28, expresses her joy in working in the field and finds it to be the most beautiful job in the world. Both women, with degrees in plant ecology and biodiversity, manage one of the few ecological plots in Algeria, where produce is grown without pesticides and in harmony with the ecosystem.
Even though it was initially challenging to integrate into a male-dominated sector, the two women have earned respect from male farmers who appreciate their work.
With just 60,000 Algerian dinars, Mahtout and Messous launched their project after renting the land. Today, they employ one full-time male worker and up to eight part-timers during harvest season.
– Selling on Instagram –
They have learned farming techniques through the help of Torba, an association promoting ecological farming in Algeria. They utilize social media platforms like Instagram to sell their produce, taking orders through WhatsApp.
Clients pick up their orders at a larger farm in Zeralda on Fridays, where they also interact with other smallholders selling various products.
Their loyal customers, like 72-year-old Fatma Zohra, appreciate the healthy produce and the personal connection they have with the farmers.
Each week, Mahtout and Messous sell between 10 and 30 baskets of seasonal fruits and vegetables. The Zeralda farm also offers educational programs for children, cooking classes, and cultural events in addition to the farmers’ market.
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