Moringa

Photo above used courtesy of Errol Moloto

Introduction

  • The moringa tree has its origins in the northern regions of India. In Africa, two types are grown, moringa oleifera and moringa stenopetala (Lekgau, undated). The moringa tree is considered one of the most nutritious trees in the world since it has vitamins, minerals and amino acids which the human body requires for health.
  • The leaves can be used to make moringa juice or tea. They can also be cooked like spinach, or dried and processed into moringa powder. The powder has many uses which include being used as a nutritional additive in soup, porridge and drinks.
  • The seeds can be used to produce seedlings, processed into moringa oil (called Ben oil) and in certain communities, to purify water.
  • In addition to human consumption, it can be used to feed livestock, and has industrial uses which includes a biofuel.
  • Several projects listed on this page came about as a way to stimulate rural development and to address malnutrition. Farming with moringa is a way to create economic activity and jobs. A look through company websites (listed below) will illustrate many of the different products, while the various articles and other sources will introduce the reader to its adaption as a crop, while noting the reported medicinal benefits and nutritious value.

National strategy and government contact

  • The following institutions have all had dealings with MDASA (see next heading): Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI); Department of Agriculture; Department of Education; Department of Health; Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the Gauteng Department of Economic Growth and Development.
  • The Industrial Action Policy Plans (IPAPs) made provision for the establishment of a pilot agri-business hub. One of the deliverables was a moringa processing plant (along with chicken abattoir and vegetable packhouse).
  • Moringa featured in the then Department of Science, Technology and Innovation’s Bio-economy Strategy. See www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/201409/bioeconomy-strategya.pdf.

Role players

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Further reference:

Training and research

  • The following institutions have all had dealings with MDASA: University of the Witwatersrand, University of Johannesburg, University of Pretoria, University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of Fort Hare, University of Limpopo, University of North West (Mafikeng campus), Tshwane University of Technology, University of South Africa and Stellenbosch University.

Parastatals and semi-government organisations

  • The following institutions have all had dealings with MDASA: Agriculture Research Council (ARC), The Innovation Hub, Egolibio, SEDA, Technology Innovative Agency (TIA) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the South African Military Health Services.

Companies

  • Health outlets like Faithful to Nature, The Body Shop, Organic Choice Health Shops, Clicks etc stock moringa products

Websites and publications

Some articles

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