It’s usually said that the driver of Agricultural productivity is extension service. For those who don’t know, extension service is the arm of agriculture that comes along side farmers and rural communities to help them grow and produce viable crops. It was through Extension Service to farmers that I first got introduced to Moringa 20 years ago.
At that time, the late Mr Vavaya Mulenga of the Conservation Farming Unit had introduced Moringa as a crop to Central Zambia, along with Jatropha and Bixa, Moringa. I belonged to an Association of graduates who built a large nursery for propagating moringa. These plants were given to farmers to grow on their own properties. The moringa plants grew so well, that the farmers wished to sell the products commercially. However, due to lack of knowledge about the benefits and uses of moringa, the project didn’t succeed, and the people of Keembe area in Central Zambia lost interest.
But in recent years, as the many benefits of moringa have become known, the passion and desire to grow the crop has rejuvenated. This has inspired me even more, because moringa is proving to be helpful to the community in various ways, even at the grassroots. Here is how it is helping:
1. NUTRITION.
- In rural communities of the Copperbelt where HIV/AIDS is prevalent, clinics and schools are using moringa in their feeding programs as a nutrient-rich vegetable. We are also putting up some woodlots to make available food.
- Regards to animals, chickens raised in incubators are having moringa included in their diet to promote healthy growth. It is vital that farmers are trained in this process, as healthy chickens generate good income for the families.
- Many farmers are opting to raise goats and sheep as there is a booming market in the Middle East. Moringa is the crop of choice for feeding these animals and is a hot topic at agricultural meetings.
2. ENVIRONMENT
Years of drought in Zambia and the removal of trees have made vast parcels of land barren. To combat this, we have started moringa nurseries in schools, and the plants are given to farmers to replant for reforestation. This is how it benefits the rural communities:
- By encouraging bees to produce moringa honey which will be collected and sold as another source of income for the rural poor.
- By eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers. Moringa thrives on the natural fertilizers received from animal manure. Hence, moringa is a low cost crop compared to the popular maize crops.
3. A ROBUST IRRIGATION FACILITY AVAILABLE
Apart from the routine work in extension services, there is a robust irrigation facility that farmers can take advantage of if the Market of Moringa continues getting better. This is in the Musakashi farming block. Discussions are underway of putting up a nursery to look at the inclusion of the moringa crop and possible ways of processing the products. I have the privilege of being a member of this community as well.
Message to All:
Of all the crops that I have been involved with, Moringa is the one I feel most passionate about, and wish to promote its benefits.
It is simply the King of all Crops.
I am currently selling moringa seed and powder. As well, I provide training and advisory services to farmers for both Livestock and Crops.
But for Moringa I should confess that it is 24/7.
- PHONE: +260967318046.
- EMAIL: acaciamasiye@gmail.com.