MORINGA TREE

Moringa is a tree that grows in most tropical regions of the world. It is the most nutritious plant known to man.

Presently a Moringa plantation is being developed with the goal of not only feeding orphans, but enabling Heather Chimhoga Orphan Care (HCOC) to become self-sustaining. Markets already are available in the United States as soon as HCOC is able to expand Moringa production. Expansion requires funding for a tractor for tillage, wells for irrigation, processing plant and refrigerated truck. The goal is to employ more local workers in the processing plant and also to train local farmers to raise Moringa as out-growers. The market will require expansion to 400 hectares (1,000 acres) or more.

It is being grown at HCOC and is used in the feeding program. Since it was introduced in the diets of the orphans, the number of sick children have been significantly reduced. Excess Moringa is sold in Zimbabwe.

Moringa, which could take the form of a shrub or a tree, originated in India and was known to ancient people for its medicinal value. In more recent years it has been transported to most of the countries in the sub-tropical regions of the world, including Africa.  It is known by many different names in different countries, but when we speak of Moringa in Zimbabwe it is referred to as Moringa Oleifera .

Moringa is highly nutritional;. Moringa leaves can be used fresh in salads or dried and powdered. The powdered Moringa is commonly used in soups, sauces and drinks. The nutritional value of 100 grams is shown on the left. In addition it supplies all of the known amino acids essential for healthy bones and teeth.

Pregnant women who use Moringa daily may give birth to more healthy babies and with a higher birth weight. If the mother continues to use Moringa during the nursing period, the baby develops at a more rapid rate. Moringa also has the potential to raise the immune system to normal levels in HIV positive people. HCOC has had success with the use of Moringa in the diets of all the orphans but especially with the HIV positive children.

In Zimbabwe, when Moringa is fed to beef cattle it often results in increased weight gain. When fed to dairy cattle their milk production is significantly increased.

Twenty quarts of water can be purified with 2 grams of crushed seed or seedcake. This makes it possible to separate the dirt from the top purified water. This is a cheaper and environmentally friendly alternative to water purification.

Moringa tree pods can be cracked open to produce Moringa oil seeds that can be pressed and used for cooking oil. The oil does not get rancid and does not congeal, which is why it is used in fine watches. When it is pressed for oil, the remaining seed cake can be used to purify water, too.

Moringa has the potential to improve the diet of the subsistent farmers in third world countries. It also has the potential to generate income by marketing it around the world. Recently it is being sought after in the developed world. Health food markets are unable to find enough to keep their shelves supplied. In many areas of the United States it is retailing for as much as $50.00 USD per pound ($88.00 per kg)

Moringa can be the pathway to self-sufficiency for rural farmers and orphan care centers. Not only will it improve the health of those who eat the Moringa; but, the sale of the powdered leaves has the potential to generate income for the operation of the private NGO’s

These Zimbabwean women farmers harvest Moringa to feed the children at the Orphan Care Center.

HCOC is a registered Zimbabwe PVO (Private Voluntary Organization). For years this organization has been feeding nearly 1,000 orphans and vulnerable children as well as 400 pre-schoolers two meals daily. These meals include Moringa. Likewise, it provides school fees, uniforms and medical care in addition to other services. This feeding program has been operating since 2002 and is receiving funding from the United States. Presently 26 members from the local community are employed. Casual workers are employed as necessary. As the Organization continues to grow, it is necessary that it become self-sustainable. We are seeking funders to assist HCOC in becoming independent in supporting the local orphans.

More information

The nutritional value of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves. http://www.moringanews.org/doc/GB/Posters/Broin_poster.pdf