Moringa

Moringa oleifera and Moringa stenophetala are leaf-producing trees that can significantly improve the quality of nutrition in the Sahel. Moringa oleifera has become a very popular tree in Niger and in Northern Nigeria. Moringa oleifera is mostly cultivated in gardens as it cannot produce much without irrigation if rainfall is below 700 mm. Moringa trees can be propagated through cuttings, planted in pots or by direct seeding as in Niger (Larwanou and al. 2005). The space between plants is 1 x 1 meter. The tree must be pruned when it reaches a height of 1.5m in order to promote leaf production. In order to avoid the Moringa becoming an erect tree, the sprouts (adventives) need to be removed. The new Indian variety PKM1 has a higher productivity than other Moringa varieties. Moringa responds well to organic or mineral fertilizers.

Moringa stenophetala can be planted in millet farms even if rainfall is less than 700 mm. This Moringa species is more resistant to drought, but has a different taste than that of Moringa oleifera.

The growing of Moringa in gardens in Niger is much more profitable than that of tomatoes and other vegetables.

The Moringa tree, green or dry, is excellent food for humans and particularly for children between 1 to 3 years old. Moringa leaves are preferably eaten in fresh, but they may also be dried. If they are dried under the shade, they keep more vitamin A. An intake of 100 g of fresh leaves by a 1 to 3 year old child can cover the needs in vitamins A and C, 75% of his iron needs and 50% of his protein needs (Fuglie 2000). Even a quantity of 20 g of fresh leaves may cover the needs of Vitamin A and C, those vitamins that are most in deficit in the Sahel. 

For the pregnant or breastfeeding mother, the Moringa contributes to ensure a good nutrition and also stimulates milk production (ICRISAT 2000). Moringa can also be used to treat malnourished children.

Figure 1. The nutritional qualities of Moringa
Source: http://www.treesforlife.org/project/moringa/default.en.asp

Moringa seeds can also be used for purification of water and production of vegetable oil (Trees for life 2006). Moringa oleifera grains contain 40% of lipids. In order to extract the oil, the ripe grains are burned, pounded and soaked in boiling water for a period of 5 minutes. An oil layer will form on the surface of the liquid (Flugelie 2006).   

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