In the Chiquitano forest, women from the Río Blanco, Santa Mónica and Palestina communities of the Monteverde TCO (Municipality of Concepción, Santa Cruz - Bolivia), lead economic opportunities for the sustainable use of the cusi palm (Attalea speciosa), for the processing of extra-virgin oil and articulation with local market systems for beauty and personal care products. However, the capacity to scale up and expand their supply is limited by the lack of appropriate milling technologies.
Applying the Design thinking, people-oriented innovation approach, ENDEV, the company CIFEMA SAM, in collaboration with the non-governmental organisation APCOB (Apoyo al Campesino-Indígena del Oriente Boliviano) facilitated participatory processes with women's associations in the Monteverde TCO to co-design a gender-sensitive and environmentally neutral cusi milling machine. The solar-powered milling technology reduces fatigue, increases productivity and reduces the costs of processing cusi oil.
