THE Crabwood Oil Project in Region 1(Barima/Waini), even though is lesser known among the numerous initiatives in the agriculture sector, has been an avenue of trade, transforming the lives of women from the shadow of poverty to the path of respectability.

This is the view of Mrs. Maria D’ Andrade, a Region 1 farmer who has been involved in the production of Crabwood oil during the past five years.

She told the Guyana Chronicle that five years ago many poor women, especially single ones in the region struggled to satisfy the basic needs of their family and to ensure their children receive an education.

But today, the woman in her early forties remarked, “the situation is not the same”, as these improvised women are now in a better financial position to support their children’s tenure in school and to enjoy a better standard of living.

D’ Andrade pointed out that several small women’s group in various communities are involved in the production of the oil which is sold to North West Organics (NWO),which in turn sells the commodity to buyers in Georgetown and other parts of the country.

The farmer, explaining the production of the commodity, said the oil is extracted from crabwood seeds and this can be done using one of two methods.

She said one process used by persons in the interior is called “board oil” which is done in the shade. The oil extracted from this process, she said is known as “virgin oil” as it is very clean and of high quality.

However, D’ Andrade underlined that other extraction process, called “sun oil” is the quicker of the two.

NWO is hoping that with an increase in revenues from non-timber forest products through the provision of an alternative to unsustainable harvest of timber and wildlife, the project is expected to foster sustainable natural resource management.

The organisation is hoping too that once the local market is saturated, external markets can be targeted, particularly the Guyanese Diaspora in Canada, the US and Great Britain

These untapped markets represent a substantial opportunity for the promotion and further development of North West Organics products.

Arjoon, at a recent coffee launch said, NOW has been working closely with regional partners such as Village Councils of the local communities in the Waini area as well as the various management committees in this regard.

D’ Andrade said the women producers had a problem getting bottles to store the oil but they were ably assisted by Arjoon who responded to their concern.

The Crabwood tree (Carapa guianensis) which provides the medicinal oil is used by local Amerindians and older Guyanese for massage purposes but the potential for this ‘miracle oil’ is widely believed to be unimaginable.

The tree also provides high quality lightweight wood used locally to make paddles and furniture. The bark of the tree, D’ Andrade noted, possesses medicinal properties as well.

In Brazil, crabwood oil is one of the most commercialised medicinal products and is being exported to Europe and the United States.

The oil’s medicinal use includes anti-inflammatory (falls), swellings, rheumatism and healing of scars.

It is also used as a sunburn treatment, in addition to its use in the manufacture of soap in Region One.

D’ Andrade said too, that Waini residents use the oil orally for treatment of pneumonia and it can be applied to wounds to increase healing time.

Crabwood oil is also widely used moisturiser for the restoration of skin and hair.

The oil, D’ Andrade pointed out acts as a repellent against flies and mosquitoes, and diminishes the risk of inflammation from insect bites and, in some cases, those of vampire bat.

In addition, she said candles made of crabwood oil, repel mosquitoes that transmit dengue.