TURKANA, Kenya – The Moringa plant has gained popularity among farmers in Kaptir, Turkana South constituency, who claim it offers numerous commercial and health advantages.
For instance, thanks to World Vision Imarisha, Ting’asia Farmers Group has been trained to gather and dry the plant’s leaves.
The Moringa tree, scientifically known as Moringa oleifera, is a fast-growing, deciduous tree native to Africa and Asia.
“The sale of this plant has increased the standard of living of our group members. One of the group members stated. We are making so much money from selling this plant that we have even been able to build permanent residences and send our children to school,” said one of the farmers.
Following the training, the farmers said they knew how to plant the tree.
“Now that we know it doesn’t take a lot of water, we want to go and teach people who haven’t embraced it yet,” said another farmer.
What the World Vision thinks about the Moringa tree
Boaz Ekiru from World Vision Imarisha explained the health benefits of the Moringa tree. At the same time, Dickson Githinji from the same organisation said that the plant can be used to fight the devastating effects of climate change.
“It has a lot of benefits in our lives. This tree can be used as human and livestock food and medication. It has oil. It also conserves the soil and provides environmental services,” said Ekiru.
Y News understands that the tree can reach heights of 10–12 meters (33–39 feet) and a trunk diameter of 46 cm (18 in). Due to its edible pods and leaves, it is often referred to as the drumstick tree or horseradish tree.
This tree is known for its nutritional value and is sometimes called the “Miracle Tree” because of its numerous health benefits.
How the Moringa is a solution to climate change impacts
On his part, Dickson Githinji explained:
“Climate change has become a global issue, and that’s why we are trying as much as possible to promote issues related to adaptation locally here in Turkana through the Moringa plant. It also helps in mitigation when it comes to reducing greenhouse gasses through land restoration.”
Beekeeper Peter Emuria of Kaptir revealed how the Moringa tree’s flowers enhanced his honey’s flavour. Bees, he said, rely on the tree’s blossoms.
“Bees are drawn to the beehives by the blooms. The honey is light and white at first, but it will eventually transform to a golden hue, signifying pure honey,” Emuria said.
He said that the tree had assisted him in promoting his honey goods under the Arrow Moringa Honey brand.
What are the benefits of the Moringa tree
Moringa has many essential vitamins and minerals. The leaves have about as much potassium as a banana and the same vitamin C as an orange.
It also has calcium, protein, iron, and amino acids, which help your body heal and build muscle.
It’s also packed with antioxidants, which can protect cells from damage and may boost your immune system.
There’s evidence that some of these antioxidants can also lower blood pressure and reduce fat in the blood and body.
So far, much of the research on moringa has used animals as test subjects.
How the Moringa will change the fortunes of Turkana County
Researchers are working to find out exactly how extracts from this tree affect people, but early studies show they may help with Rheumatoid arthritis, Diabetes, Cancer, and Memory loss.
Y News also knows that Moringa’s bark is whitish-grey and surrounded by thick cork. Young shoots have purplish or greenish-white, hairy bark.
The tree has an open crown of drooping, fragile branches, and the leaves build up a feathery foliage of tripinnate leaves.
Meanwhile, local leaders believe that when this tree grows, its business will generate tax revenue for the Turkana County government.
“We will make money if the farmers decide to sell the plant soon. Even this population knows they will always have money,” the officer in charge of Turkana South’s natural resources, Dorcas Munyes, remarked.
