BAckground
Moringa is a fast growing, drought-resistent tree. It was selected for trial cultivation on FRED'S FARM primarily because of its nutrional properties. Its leaves, immature seed pods, mature seeds, oil pressed from seeds and flowers are all edible.
The leaves are iron and protein rich, and contain significant amounts of vitamin A (deficiency causes blindness), B vitamins and calcium.
Moringa was grown in Nyamagabe district before the genocide but has not been actively re-established in the area.
The leaves are iron and protein rich, and contain significant amounts of vitamin A (deficiency causes blindness), B vitamins and calcium.
Moringa was grown in Nyamagabe district before the genocide but has not been actively re-established in the area.
Goals
- To encourage local farmers to grow and use moringa.
- To increase the farmers knowledge of the benefits of moringa, and use it as a food source.
- To teach the farmers how they can propagate moringa.
- To establish moringa at the school.
Beneficiaries
Approx 300 families
HOW
After an initial trial on FRED'S FARM, larger scale production of seedlings was started in collaboration with Benjamin, a tree nursery owner, close to the farm. FRED'S FARM provided seeds, local farmers were employed to prepare the soil, and plant seeds. Benjamin and Jacques collaborated on follow up.
Local leaders and farmers have been introduced to moringa. Larger scale training and distribution of seedlings will be done in the coming years.
Local leaders and farmers have been introduced to moringa. Larger scale training and distribution of seedlings will be done in the coming years.
Time Line
2023 Employed a moringa specialist to follow up on the farm and in the local community.
2022 Our efforts continue to promote moringa; moringa seeds and seedlings are now in demand from locals and others.
2021 Roll out large scale planting; in February 50 farmers, incl. 30 from Twa village, received 2 seedlings each, 50 seedlings were planted at the local school. Most of these seedlings died due to insufficient follow-up during COVID lock-down. Planting and ongoing testing of different planting methods on FRED's FARM. Successful propagation of moringa seedlings on FRED'S FARM.
2020 Established a tree nursery. Farmer training and distribution of 200 seedlings, to farmers. Seedlings planted at school.
2017-19 Transplanted moringa saplings. Harvested seed pods from mature trees. Planted our own seeds.
2016 Planted moringa seeds on FRED's FARM.
2022 Our efforts continue to promote moringa; moringa seeds and seedlings are now in demand from locals and others.
2021 Roll out large scale planting; in February 50 farmers, incl. 30 from Twa village, received 2 seedlings each, 50 seedlings were planted at the local school. Most of these seedlings died due to insufficient follow-up during COVID lock-down. Planting and ongoing testing of different planting methods on FRED's FARM. Successful propagation of moringa seedlings on FRED'S FARM.
2020 Established a tree nursery. Farmer training and distribution of 200 seedlings, to farmers. Seedlings planted at school.
2017-19 Transplanted moringa saplings. Harvested seed pods from mature trees. Planted our own seeds.
2016 Planted moringa seeds on FRED's FARM.