The Potential of Moringa in Climate Change (Research Paper)

“Moringa oleifera Lam. is a multipurpose plant that is being promoted as a sustainable source of bioactive phytochemicals and nutrients to reduce human and animal malnutrition. The plant offers new opportunities to small scale farmers, contributes to the production of raw materials for industries and can serve as nutritious food.

“The aim of this review is to stress this new development and to advocate the need for stronger policies, research and market development strategies to develop this natural resource….” 

CONCLUSIONS:

“The M. oleifera plant is truly multipurpose and offers new opportunities to small scale farmers and contributes to the development of raw materials but will need strong policies, research and market development strategies in order to realize its full potential. The integration of M. oleifera into the human food chain and food systems should be both lateral within Africa and vertical with regard to product development, coupled with market development efforts, to facilitate the entry of M. oleifera products into both the developed countries and emerging economy markets. All of this should be carried out in a way that serves the fundamental interests of all stakeholders, with the most important consideration given to the vulnerable, poor, rural communities where primary production occurs. A dynamic new suite of bio-products can be produced from agroforestry systems that will at the same time contribute to the restoration of badly degraded ecosystems and agricultural sites.

“Cluster models of public-private partnerships have become an important tool in developing innovations that improve the competitiveness of local agri-chains. This model should guarantee the availability of certified M. oleifera products at affordable prices which is a major concern for consumers of M. oleifera products. Identifying innovative policy approaches and interventions to the commercialization of M. oleifera products that endorse moringa as source of sustainable rural household incomes will result in enhanced natural resources management with focus on smallholder growers in sustainable agricultural systems.”