Moringa to support Kenyan farmers health & wealth

INTRODUCTION

We wish to send our sincere greetings to all of us as we share our progress report on moringa to support Kenyan farmer’s health and wealth. DNRC endeavors to keep focus on its three main objectives which are Economic development, Environmental Regeneration and Community regeneration for sustainable communities.  DNRC has carefully selected over 50 different tree species which are propagated and later planted by the farmers in their farms. Apart from playing the role of environmental regeneration, the trees also serve other purposes to the households including livelihoods. Moringa tree is highly encouraged and promoted because of its benefits including its role as a nutritional supplement.Moringa leaves are known to have high levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.DNRC farmers have embraced moringa and especially for nutrition value. Many farmers are testifying health improvement especially those with underlying conditions.Extra Moringa leaves farmers have is processed and packed for sale and farmers are able to boost their income. Moringa Oil is also good for the skin and and being recommended for massage and getting rid of acne and dark spots. During this reporting quarter, DNRC staff were busy propagating more moringa tree seedlings, issuing moringa seedlings, receiving and processing moringa leaves from farmers, farmers follow up among others. Below are detailed activities done during this reporting quarter.

FARMERS TRAINING AND FOLLOW-UPS

During the reporting quarter,DNRC training and outreach personnel were involved with individual farmer follow-ups and training on moringa leaves harvesting and handling. More trainings were emphasized on general moringa tree management for high productivity on both seeds and leaves.

ISSUANCE OF MORINGA TREE SEEDLINGS

During the reporting quarter, we issued 1120 moringa seedlings mostly to the new farmers since this is not our major planting season.

RECEIVING MORINGA LEAVES, SEEDS, DRYING AND PROCESSING

During the reporting quarter, moringa powder processing was a major activity. This involved receiving, weighing and paying the farmers for the fresh leaves and then finally drying them under shade for processing. During the reporting quarter, we processed 31.82 kgs of moringa powder and this was also packaged for sale.During the reporting quarter, we also packaged over 20litres of moringa oil for sale.

CHALLENGES

There were no major challenges during this quarter

PLANS FOR NEXT QUARTER

• Propagating more moringa seedlings to meet the set target.
• Continue with farmer follow ups on Moringa management
• Collect more moringa leaves to continue processing moringa powder.