Opportunities for Moringa in Malawi

(Presented by Owen Kandulu – June 2018)

I am Owen Kandulu from Malawi, and I am the Managing Director for Sustainable Living Solutions Limited. This is a company with its core business of creating entrepreneurs with and without use of natural resources. I make this presentation on behalf of this organisation and on behalf of fellow Malawians. The presentation centres on the opportunities and challenges of moringa as a business and possible solutions.

Opportunities

Malawi is a country with around 18 million people and ranked among the poorest countries in the world.  It is ironic that so many people face hunger, poverty and malnutrition, while moringa is flourishing and could eradicate these challenges. 

Moringa grows wildly in many parts of the country in the hot areas along Lake Malawi. Looking at the vastness of fertile land that is available for moringa production and availability of water, this stands out as an opportunity for serious commercial farmers. 

Most people are now aware of the importance of moringa leaf powder, moringa oil and its by products. Moringa is used traditionally as a medicine for prevention and treatment of various diseases. Its products are also becoming household names for cosmetics. 

There is an influx of moringa products for health and beauty care, this shows there is a market opportunity. Of late, many foreign nationals are scrambling to buy moringa seeds along the lake shore areas. Unfortunately, they are not willing to pay a fair price.

Vast areas of idle land can be used for growing moringa it can be a good alternative cash crop.  Most other crops require high rainfall, but moringa trees is renowned for being drought resistant.

Challenges 

• Lack of viable business channels for moringa undermines the potential farmers to grow moringa.
• Lack of governing policies to protect moringa trees and its raw products, i.e., seeds and leaves. 
• Lack of technologies to make value added products from moringa.
• It’s still a challenge for some people to accept raw moringa as some people are shy from taking what is called traditional medicine. 
• This unacceptance creates challenges as moringa has the potential to eradicate some of the problems and challenges being faced in the country.
• Certification for Organic moringa is very expensive for individual farmers.
• Lack of public policies to protect the moringa trees.

Solutions  

• I am sure there are African countries that are advanced in moringa growing and processing.  I would like to take this opportunity to ask those that can help Malawi in every way possible to turn all opportunities and challenges into viable businesses.  As Malawi is indeed a warm heart of Africa and has conducive environment for businesses.
• Formation of Cooperatives will enable people to cost share expenses on Certification of moringa growing and products.
• For AMH leadership to start organising Regional or International events on moringa to create a platform for partnerships and networking. There is vast experience within the Hub, so it is possible to create business opportunities and markets within ourselves.
• These events can also be a platform to recruit more members into the hub and a fundraising opportunity for Africa Moringa Hub.