Issika (Okolassi)
- PROJECTS
- Issika (Okolassi)
ABOUT ISSIKA
Issika (Okolassi)
Issika Association (Okolassi): ISSIKA promotes the Bwiti tradition in Gabon and abroad, focusing on agroforestry of medicinal plants, traditional healing, and craftsmanship.
BOTF funds an iboga plantation, a traditional forge workshop, and the production and sale of Bwiti-inspired crafts, while supporting ISSIKA’s efforts to welcome international initiation candidates.
Overview
Context
A community-based association active in agriculture and local culture.
2023 Actions
Technical and material support from BOTF.
Participation in community income-generating activities (honey, crafts, staple crops).
Initial partnerships with local NGOs.
2024 Actions
Consolidation of the IGAs launched.
Training in good agricultural practices.
Support from BOTF to strengthen administrative and legal capacities.
Results
A better-structured association, increasingly involved in BOTF networks.
Growing income thanks to agricultural diversification.
Challenges
Lack of organizational stability.
Strong dependence on BOTF for financial resources.
Perspectives
Develop more autonomous partnerships (local NGOs, markets).
Fully integrate Issika into BOTF’s pilot model of sustainable rural associations.
