Women entrepreneurship and new business models for quality production of Aloe Vera in Jordan

Aloe vera L. is a vegetal matrix of great interest. The gel obtained from its leaves is useful for the production of numerous items, even in different sectors, such as phytotherapy and cosmetics, thanks to its healthy and beneficial properties. This action-research took place within the project “Promozione della filiera agribusiness dell’Aloe vera attraverso l’implementazione di un progetto pilota a sostegno delle cooperative di piccoli produttori nell’area di Karak in Giordania” (AID 11481), implemented by Jean Paul II Foundation and funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation. The main objective of the project is to promote the A. vera chain in the Jordan Valley in Fifa, Karak region (Jordan). According to the project, A. vera crops have been planted in selected fields in Karak region. A. vera is not in fact a native species of that region. The project involved in particular micro-enterprises owned by women with the purpose to provide training, materials and equipment, and to design a business model based on the cultivation, transformation and sale of A. vera. The business model aims to facilitate the planning and management of small farming and processing activities of A. Vera. It represents a flexible model, applicable by both small-scale productive activities and more structured enterprises. Moreover, within the project, the activity of the action-research was to provide good manufacturing practices according quality standards and regulations. Such suggestions aim at the adoption of quality procedures especially to obtain traditional cosmetics (e.g. soaps) based on gel of A. vera. This paper is structured in three parts: firstly, the methodology applied during the research is explained; then, the core part focuses on some contextual factors and some common features observed among the target enterprises then, the results regarding the definition of the business model and quality procedures.