Rebecca’s Story

After battling intense period cramps and frequent flare-ups of atopic dermatitis for over a decade, I decided I’d had enough. So, in 2019, I returned to my roots in search of natural, safe, and long-lasting solutions. This journey has helped me rediscover the powers of African functional ingredients like hibiscus and moringa, which I grew up using as a child in Nigeria.

My journey has also brought me the gift of learning about and experiencing the wellness benefits of many other superfoods and herbal ingredients that Africa has to offer. Empowered by these discoveries, I’ve set out to share the wonders of these plants with you and the world in ways that honor mother earth and support the livelihoods of women in African agriculture.

- Rebecca Bakare (Founder, ORÍSUN)

Why Women In African Agriculture?

Africa is blessed with abundant agricultural resources and is home to a diverse range of highly nutritious and herbal plants. It’s no wonder most people across the continent, especially women, depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Making up nearly 50% of African farmers and going up to 80% in some countries like Nigeria, these women play a significant role in African agriculture.

However, due to market access obstacles, most women farmers and producers in Africa continue to live on less than $5 per day. Their invisibility and restricted access to markets mean they receive little to no financial benefits for their work. This limits their ability to lift themselves, their families, and their communities out of abject poverty.

Economic Empowerment & Visibility

We aim to support African women producers in building dignified livelihoods for themselves by giving them access to profitable markets. This allows us to bring you functional products, through our brand ORÍSUN, so you can experience the wonders of nutrient-rich and herbal ingredients from Africa.

But we don’t stop at that. We also connect you with our women suppliers digitally through their stories. This way, you get to know the people making the ingredients in your favorite products and feel good knowing that you’re contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world.

Meet Some of Our Women Producers

  • Brenda

    Name: Brenda

    Location: Harare, Zimbabwe

    Produce: Baobab Fruit Powder

    Some Impacts of Our Partnership: I have grown my social circle by working and socializing with other women. I have learned how to produce baobab powder in a hygienic way. I am also providing income opportunities for 7 other women in my community who are now able to send their children to school.

    My Hope For The Future: I want to continue growing my partnership with Mama’s Creation Foods, which will allow me to expand my business and provide more opportunities for other women in Zimbabwe.

  • Kelechi

    Name: Kelechi

    Location: Kaduna, Nigeria

    Produce: Ginger, Mango, Banana, Amaranth Greens, Hibiscus, Moringa, and Lemongrass powder

    Some Impacts of Our Partnership: So far I have grown and deepened my interaction with other women in my community. I am also providing jobs for 5 more women.

    My Hope For The Future: I would like to expand the types and quantity of nutritious African ingredients I produce and sell to Mama’s Creation Foods.

 

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