Moringa value chain development improves rural women’s livelihoods in South Ethiopia

Moringa is a nutrient-dense, climate-resilient crop grown in the south Ethiopia region. However, its full potential is yet to be utilized. Moringa could improve food security and nutrition and income generation.

To improve the sustainable livelihood of the rural women in South Ethiopia (former Southern Nations Nationalities and People’s Region - SNNPR), FAO in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the Regional Bureau of Agriculture, has been supporting the production and productivity of moringa - an indigenous food for the region.

With funding from the Italian Agency for International Development, FAO is leading in enhancing the sustainable production and productivity of the crop by using integrated utilization of natural resources and strengthening the nutrition sensitive moringa value chain.

This is through inclusive agrifood systems, promotion of nutritious products, and a conducive environment while improving the knowledge on the nutrition-sensitive value chain development.

Empowered women farmers are driving the success of our moringa value chain project. By actively collecting moringa from fellow farmers and processing it into high-value products like dry leaf powder and tea leaves, these enterprising women are earning an average of 1 200 Birr per week.

As the project continues to strengthen market linkages, it is anticipated that even greater income generation and a positive impact on their livelihoods.

Genet Konsha, a farmer from Kencho Kebele, grows around 80 moringa trees in her garden for the past two years.

She says, “I have been trained on how to dry fresh moringa leaves and produce powder using the milling machine that the project provided. Such an activity has supported me in generating income for my family”.

Divorced with four children and without her own farmland, Genet is mostly depending on the moringa activities for her income. Since she started growing moringa in her backyard, she has been saving around 210 Birr per week (Approx USD 3.8) on green leafy vegetable purchases for her household cooking on a daily basis. She also sells dry moringa powder and tea leaves.

According to her, the awareness of using dry moringa powder is not high among local people; however, knowledge has improved since three years ago and she is hoping this will continue improving.

ACHIEVEMENTS

• More than 40 000 trees produced.
• Farmers’ Training Centres in all 20 kebele rehabilitated to host moringa seedlings planting.
• 34 trainers of trainers equipped to train all 800 women in Moringa production, processing, and utilization.
• Training and provision of 10 moringa powder-making and packaging machines.
• More than 6 products produced i.e. muffins, cookies, bread, pasta, yoghurt, ice cream, porridge and bulla.
• Over 20 women trained in moringa soap making.
• Consumption of moringa and its products doubled among beneficiaries and their families.