THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF MORINGA
Moringa oleifera is one of the most useful tropical trees. The relative ease with which it propagates through both sexual and asexual means and its low demand for soil nutrients and water after being planted makes its production and management easy. Introduction of this plant into a farm which has a biodiverse environment can be beneficial for both the owner of the farm and the surrounding eco-system (Foidl et al., 2001).
Medicinal and Socio-Economic uses of moringa were known to the ancient world, but only recently has it been "rediscovered" as a multipurpose tree with a tremendous variety of potential uses. The pleasant-tasting edible oil which can be extracted from the seeds was highly valued by the ancient Roman, Greek and Egyptian civilizations for use in making perfume and in protecting skin, and during the 19th century. M. oleifera plantations in the West Indies were exporting the oil (known as Ben oil) to Europe for use in making perfumes and as a lubricant for fine machinery.
In the Indian sub-continent M. oleifera has long been cultivated for its edible fruit: today these are exported, fresh and in tins, to consumers in Asia and Europe. The edible leaves of the tree are very nutritious and are consumed throughout West Africa as well as in some parts of Asia. Powder from seed kernels works as a natural coagulant which can clarify even very turbid water, removing up to 99% of the bacteria in the process.
M. oleifera is certainly under-exploited at present. Its numerous uses as a vegetable, seed oil, gum, hedge tree, ornamental and medicinal plant, and its easy propagation and cultivation justify more intensive research into its biological and economic potentials.
In Nigeria, those who will start moringa plantations today will start earning from its proceeds soon as the government has started using the seeds for water treatment in Zaria, Kaduna State.
A Malawian woman has empowered her fellow women in numbering over 5000 with moringa. She has a large plantation where she also has a processing plant. Now she exports moringa to Japan. The Japanese Government is funding her project now! You too can do it…
The Moringa plant has so much economic and financial relevance. These include in areas like providing carbon credits, combating global warming, use for biodiesel, use in the cosmetics industry, etc.