How Baobab Fits the European Consumer’s Trends 2

In the medical field, there is also a growing demand for natural healthcare products. According to a long-term study performed by the Allensbacher Institut in Germany, the number of consumers who prefers natural healthcare products has increased from 52% in 1970 to 73% in 2002.

Cosmetic products, which contain ingredients aimed at beauty enhancement and skin health, are called cosmeceuticals. This market segment is reporting strong growth. Due to the ever-increasing age of the population, anti-aging creams are in great demand. Here, the antioxidant effect of baobab can be successfully used.

There is a general trend toward a healthier lifestyle. This is the primary reason that consumers search for organically certified products. In 2004, the market for organically certified products grew in Great Britain and Germany by more than 10% (Biofach, 2005). Ethical reasons are also being considered by a growing section of consumers. Fair trade aspects play an increasingly important role in shopping decisions.

Some consumers prefer organic products, because the production process is more environmentally friendly. In a survey of German healthcare product consumers, a great majority stated they were prepared to pay up to 10% more for products that cater to ecological and social issues (Galizia, Schade, Barsch, 2004).

Due to its nutritional and health claims, baobab fruit is an ideal additive for food drink and cosmetic manufacturers in Europe.

The Sacred Baobab Tree

The Sacred Baobab Tree

Griot are keepers of the oral tradition. They are singers who chant praises to Senegalese families in times of celebration. The trade is one passed on from father to father, from generation to generation since as long as people can remember.

A family generally has its very own griot, which they support financial, in exchange for a recounting of their great grandparents, grandparents and parents' family stories. The stories of course, are generally always positive, or if exposing a certain ancestor's failings, quite humorous and harmless. Though the trade is considered lowly, their role is essential because they are Senegal living historians. They are found in every ethnic group in Senegal except for the Diolas.

Griots have never worked the soil and, as a result, cannot be buried in the ground. It is said that if a griot should be ever buried in the land, a terrible drought will develop.

They are buried within Baobab trees. Baobab trees are considered useless trees, owing to the fact that their bark cannot be used to make furniture. The fruit it bears, the Pin de Singe, is used to make Bouie, a concoction that when mixed with hot water, is good for diarrhea. A baobab tree can also harbor honey in its highest branches. The tree is very common in Senegal and part of the reason is that it is not cut down for resources.

Feeling that they deserved a proper burial, griots have fought to be buried alongside their brothers in the soil. President Senghor passed a law allowing this, thereby outlawing any burials within Baobab trees. The same year the law was passed, there was a severe drought.

The Sacred Baobab Tree 2

The Sacred Baobab Tree

Griot are keepers of the oral tradition. They are singers who chant praises to Senegalese families in times of celebration. The trade is one passed on from father to father, from generation to generation since as long as people can remember.

A family generally has its very own griot, which they support financial, in exchange for a recounting of their great grandparents, grandparents and parents' family stories. The stories of course, are generally always positive, or if exposing a certain ancestor's failings, quite humorous and harmless. Though the trade is considered lowly, their role is essential because they are Senegal living historians. They are found in every ethnic group in Senegal except for the Diolas.

Griots have never worked the soil and, as a result, cannot be buried in the ground. It is said that if a griot should be ever buried in the land, a terrible drought will develop.

They are buried within Baobab trees. Baobab trees are considered useless trees, owing to the fact that their bark cannot be used to make furniture. The fruit it bears, the Pin de Singe, is used to make Bouie, a concoction that when mixed with hot water, is good for diarrhea. A baobab tree can also harbor honey in its highest branches. The tree is very common in Senegal and part of the reason is that it is not cut down for resources.

Feeling that they deserved a proper burial, griots have fought to be buried alongside their brothers in the soil. President Senghor passed a law allowing this, thereby outlawing any burials within Baobab trees. The same year the law was passed, there was a severe drought.

Legends of the Mighty Tree of Life

The importance and uniqueness of baobabs to the communities living in barren areas has guaranteed them a major role in the world of myths and legends. Just outside Morondava, on the west coast of Madagascar, an enormous specimen called 'the sacred baobab' is believed to have sprouted on the exact spot where a princess died about 800 years ago. It is now surrounded by dense growth and only its crown is visible above the thicket.

A little further up the coast, two baobabs nicknamed 'the lovers' are entwined around each other in an embrace that has lasted over 600 years.