Mrembo Naturals
Projects
Ongoing
Mrembo Project

Mrembo Naturals cosmetics fights food waste and poverty by empowering women
Creating organic cosmetics and raw materials from often neglected crops, empowering women farmers through training in sustainable cultivation. Buying imperfect produce and turning it into valuable ingredients like butter and oils boosts women’s income and reduces food waste.
The motivation for the project is driven by two key factors: the need to empower women farmers and the goal of reducing food waste.
Tanzania is so rich in resources that if we fully utilize them, we will solve many problems, including poverty. According to our research, only 30% of resources available in Tanzania are fully utilized.
There is a high increase of organic cosmetics in the world and in Tanzania but organic products are unavailable and expensive in Tanzania so people can not afford them and opt to use highly chemical products which causes health problems. These reduce employment to people who could produce these raw materials. Tanzania is so rich in fruits, vegetables, spices, and different seeds that 90% of them are used in the cosmetics industry.
Our project focuses on the extraction of valuable raw materials, including spices like black pepper and ginger, carrier oils like carrot and mango, and aromatherapy ingredients such as
rosemary, lavender, and mint. Additionally, we extract essential oils like turmeric, lime, orange, and clove. These raw materials have significant market demand and potential, yet a substantial portion of them, around 45% according to the International Trade Centre report in 2019 Tanzania, go to waste every year due to inadequate technology and limited market access.
Our project will be
Empowering women farmers is essential for promoting gender equality and inclusive economic development.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), women play a crucial role in agriculture, accounting for about 43% of the agricultural labor force in developing countries. However, they often face significant barriers, including limited access to resources, training, and markets.
By providing training, a readily available market, and support to women farmers, the project aims to empower them to improve their livelihoods and become active participants in the agricultural value chain.
Reducing food waste is another important objective. The United Nations estimates that approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted. This waste not only has economic and environmental implications but also contributes to food insecurity.
By focusing on utilizing rotten crops and transforming them into valuable raw materials, the project addresses the issue of food waste and promotes sustainable agricultural practices.