Moringa to support Kenyan farmers health & wealth

INTRODUCTION

DNRC is a locally registered NGO working in the drylands of Kenya.We support over 800 smallholders farmers to plant Moringa tree for both health and wealth.We are glad to share with us the quarterly report on the progress of this project of supporting DNRC farmers to grow moringa trees for powder and oil. Both Moringa leave powder and oil are consumed for nutrition and sold for income thus supporting our farmers health and wealth. DNRC propagates Moringa tree in her mega tree nursery with other tree species for biodiversity and when it rains we issue the tree seedlings to the farmers to plant in their individual farms. DNRC staff train and follow them up to make sure the trees are planted and managed well.Its worthy noting that moringa leaves and oil are super food due to its rich nutrients. The oil is also becoming popular even in our local markets due to its great skin care properties. A part from the health and economic benefits, moringa also serves a big role on the environmental benefits like soil building from the falling leaves and also creation of microclimate especially in the drylands.

During this reporting quarter, DNRC staff were involved in tree nursery activities, training and outreach activities and moringa sourcing and processing activities. Below are details of the activities during the reporting quarter

TRAINING AND FOLLOW UPS

During the reporting quarter, DNRC staff were majorly involved in training farmers on moringa tree tree management and hole preparations for planting more moringa trees. During this period, 700 farmers were trained and or followed by DNRC staff on moringa tree planting and management.They were also trained on moringa leaves harvesting, sorting, cleaning and under shade drying for better product.    

PROCESSING MORINGA LEAVES AND MORINGA OIL

During this reporting period, a total of 30 kgs of  fresh moringa leaves were received, dried under shade and processed for packaging. During the same period, we also processed and packaged 20 litres of moringa oil.

TREE NURSERY

During this reporting period, DNRC staff incharge of the tree nursery were involved in watering, weeding, manuring, pest control, propagation and potting.Over 4560 moringa seedlings were raised in the nursery during this reporting period.

CHALLENGES  

•  Drying of moringa leaves and seeds when its cold is a challenge experienced during this period
•  Young and tender moringa leaves were minimally attacked by o caterpillars
•  There is slow market for moringa oil but slowly is growing

PLANS FOR THE NEXT QUARTER

•  Propagate more moringa tree seedlings.
•  Continue training farmers on moringa management
•  Sourcing and processing moringa powder and oil