Environmental Sustainability

In the arid Emali region, the Moringa Value Chain Project, implemented through funding from New Zealand government (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade), ChildFund New Zealand, ChildFund Kenya, Barnfonden and Emali Dedicated Children’s Agency, has significantly improved food security and income.

Through farmer training and funding, moringa cultivation has boosted local incomes. The program also includes innovative agribusiness training, adding value to moringa products. Over 150 Emali farmers are now enjoying the positive outcomes of this initiative, which has significantly improved their livelihoods.

One litre of oil extracted from moringa seeds costs Sh 8,000 at Emuka Moringa Farmers’ Cooperative Society Shop, located in Emali town, Makueni County.

While the oil, which is used either for cooking or cosmetics seems costly, Veronicah Mwikali, the shop attendant reveals, in fact, the current price is on promotion basis.

That, soon, they will adjust to retails at normal price of Sh 12,000 like other places. Why this expensive? “Anything to do with women beauty always has huge market. Despite being seen as expensive, the oil is the most sought-after product in this shop,” Mwikali explains.

Mostly, she explains, the oil is used as cosmetics to clear face marks, pimples, burns, dandruffs and smoothens and nourishes the skin.

Mwikali shares they have packaged the oil into different sizes so as to fit various clients. For instance, half a litre costs Sh 4000, quarter Sh 2000 and the smallest pack weighing 60ml is Sh 600.

Dr Oscar K. Koech (PhD), University of Nairobi, Department of Land Resource Management and Agricultural Technology (LARMAT) believes there’s a reason for the oil retailing at such an exorbitant price.

Other value-added products are moringa facial scrub, moringa pellets, moringa fortified flours, moringa seeds and moringa animal and chicken feeds, all with equally huge market across the country.

Notably, a five-acre moringa demonstration farm managed by a 25-member community-led committee has resulted in members of the Maasai community, who are predominantly livestock keepers, progressively embracing moringa farming.

To enhance organic moringa production and productivity, farmers are also intercropping moringa trees with other food crops such as cow peas, beans, pigeon peas, maize, sweet potatoes and vegetables.