Today, we had the privilege of joining Kamila Hejlรญkovรก Tembo, a Czech scientist and project manager from Mendel University in Brno, on a visit to the local community in Mukuni Village. There, we discovered an inspiring eco-enterprise that is sustainably harvesting non-timber forest products to create natural cosmetics and wellness products while transforming the lives of local women.
The Booma Women Cooperative is a remarkable women-led initiative dedicated to producing natural Mongongo oil and handcrafted wellness products, while also operating the Chika by Booma Beauty Spa. Established in 2023 with support from the Czech-UNDP Challenge Fund, CzechAid, ฤEZ Group and Mendel University in Brno, the cooperative is built around the Mongongo tree (Schinziophyton rautanenii)โan ancient indigenous species whose nutritious nuts have been sustainably gathered by local women for at least 12,000 years.
Beginning with a core group of around 15 women, the cooperative empowers its members through sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurship. Its work focuses on climate-smart tree planting, the management of indigenous tree nurseries, and value-added processing of locally sourced natural resources. By giving women ownership of the entire value chainโfrom harvesting and processing to packaging and marketingโthe cooperative is creating lasting economic opportunities and helping families break the cycle of poverty.
Environmental conservation is equally central to Booma’s mission. The cooperative is helping combat deforestation and increase resilience to drought by testing innovative, drought-resistant planting techniques, including the use of hydrogels to establish indigenous oil-bearing trees. At the same time, it promotes eco-friendly wellness through products made from organic, locally sourced ingredients that are naturally rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids.
Their growing range of handcrafted, 100% natural products includes Mongongo face oil, body lotion, body butter, and exfoliating body scrubs. They also produce natural baobab coffeeโa nutritious, caffeine-free alternativeโand offer wellness treatments through the Chika by Booma Beauty Spa.
If you’re visiting Livingstone, you can purchase Booma’s products at their store in the Central Business District, located above Hungry Lion on Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, or order online through the Booma Women Cooperative eShop. The cooperative also hosts occasional wellness and pampering events under the “Chika by Booma” brand at beautiful locations such as Maramba River Lodge. Excitingly, they are preparing to expand by opening a dedicated facial spa and coffee shop at their Livingstone CBD premises.
Booma Women Cooperative is a powerful example of how traditional knowledge, environmental stewardship, and women’s entrepreneurship can come together to create sustainable livelihoods while protecting Zambia’s rich natural heritage. Visiting this inspiring initiative was a reminder that meaningful tourism is not only about discovering beautiful places, but also about meeting the people who are shaping a more sustainable future for their communities.
