Empowering Communities through Moringa Based Agroforestry
We are embarking on an exciting journey to integrate Moringa Oleifera into Agroforestry systems.
FOOD SECURITY
CLIMATE RESILIENCE
ECONOMIC WELFARE
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Moringa Health Benefits
Moringa, is highly beneficial for malnutrition due to its rich nutritional profile. Here are some key benefits:
Nutrient-Rich: Moringa leaves are an excellent source of many essential nutrients, including protein, vitamin B6, vitamin C, riboflavin (B2), iron, and magnesium1. They also contain vitamin A, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus2.
Source of Protein: Moringa is highly nutritious not only for its protein content, which is crucial for preventing protein malnutrition3.
Antioxidant Properties: Moringa oleifera is rich in antioxidants, which are compounds that act against free radicals in your body1. High levels of free radicals may cause oxidative stress, which is associated with chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes1.
Easily Accessible: Moringa oleifera is a readily available nutritional source, very rich in vitamins and other micronutrients such as potassium and calcium
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"Enhancing Soil Health and Biodiversity Through Moringa-Based Agroforestry"
Moringa-based agroforestry offers significant benefits for both soil health and biodiversity. The deep-rooting system of Moringa trees helps prevent soil erosion, enhances water retention, and improves the overall structure of the soil. This, in turn, leads to higher fertility and better crop yields. Additionally, Moringa trees enrich the soil with essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, through natural processes, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
From a biodiversity perspective, the intercropping of Moringa with other crops creates a more diverse ecosystem, attracting beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife. This natural biodiversity helps to control pests, improves pollination, and fosters a balanced, resilient ecosystem. The diverse plant cover also improves carbon sequestration, contributing to climate change mitigation while supporting healthier and more sustainable farming systems. Through Moringa-based agroforestry, both the environment and local communities benefit, ensuring long-term ecological and economic sustainability.
The project
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Moringa Farming
At Maisha Marefu, we are proud to support Moringa-based agroforestry farming in Chuka, Mount Kenya. This sustainable farming model combines Moringa trees with food crops, promoting biodiversity, soil health, and enhanced livelihoods for local farmers. Each smallholder farmer involved in the project will plant an average of 2,000 Moringa trees per acre, ensuring high yield and significant environmental impact. Moringa, known for its high nutritional value and medicinal properties, offers both environmental and economic benefits. By integrating agroforestry, we help farmers restore soil fertility, reduce erosion, and improve water retention, all while producing nutritious food and creating long-term economic opportunities for community.
Central to our mission is the empowerment of women from local communities. Through comprehensive training programs, these women will gain the knowledge and skills needed to actively participate in every aspect of Moringa cultivation and its integration to agroforestry systems.
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Moringa Processing Facility
Maisha Marefu is committed to empowering the local community by supporting the setup of a community processing center in Chuka, Mount Kenya. This facility will serve a dual purpose: drying Moringa for a local off-taker and developing the community's own brand to market Moringa tea and powder. By establishing this processing center, we aim to create sustainable income streams and strengthen the local value chain. In addition, Maisha Marefu will organise comprehensive training programs to equip farmers and community members with the skills needed for efficient production, processing, and branding. Through this initiative, we strive to build local capacity, promote entrepreneurship, and enhance the economic resilience of the community.
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Access to Food Supplements
One of the primary objectives of our Moringa farming initiative is to provide greater access to nutritious food supplements for communities in need. Moringa powder, derived from dried Moringa leaves, is a versatile ingredient that can be easily incorporated into various dishes, beverages, and nutritional products. By distributing Moringa powder to local schools, orphanages, and community centers, we aim to combat malnutrition and promote overall health and well-being.
The Outcomes
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Women-Led Initiatives
Showcasing the pivotal role of women in leading the Moringa and Artemisia farming and processing projects, fostering economic empowerment and skill development.
Skill Enhancement
Providing training and skill development opportunities for women to become proficient in farming, processing, and entrepreneurial activities.
Economic Independence
Illustrating how women's involvement in the project contributes to their economic independence and leadership within their communities.
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Agroecological Farming
Embracing sustainable and regenerative farming practices that promote biodiversity, soil health, and water conservation. organic farming and use of biochar.
Community Collaboration
Fostering a collaborative approach within the community to manage and maintain the Moringa and Artemisia farms, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Local Resource Utilisation
Maximising the use of local resources and indigenous knowledge to optimise farming and processing operations.
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Nutritional Security
Addressing the nutritional gaps in vulnerable communities through the availability of Moringa and Artemisia supplements, promoting holistic health and well-being.
Health Access
Enhancing access to essential supplements for populations facing health challenges, contributing to improved health outcomes and resilience.
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Sustainable Revenue
Highlighting the financial sustainability of the community-led farming and processing entity, including retail revenue and potential carbon credit earnings.
Job Creation
Illustrating the creation of employment opportunities within the community, particularly for women, contributing to economic growth and poverty alleviation.
Entrepreneurial Development
Showcasing the entrepreneurial skills and opportunities that arise from engaging in Moringa and Artemisia farming and processing.
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Carbon Sequestration
Outlining the environmental benefits of Moringa and Artemisia farming, including carbon sequestration and soil enrichment.
Biodiversity Conservation
Emphasising the role of agro-ecological practices in preserving biodiversity and ecosystem health, aligning with sustainable development goals.
Carbon Credits Certification & Circular Economy
Moringa trees are recognised for sequestrating up to 20x more carbon than other trees
After processing Moringa leaves into powder, the biomass residue will be utilised to produce biochar. Biochar serves as a valuable soil amendment, enhancing soil quality and fertility. By converting waste into a useful resource, we close the loop on organic matter utilisation and minimise environmental impact.
The biochar will be used to sink carbon into the soil and regenerate the land of the surrounding communities.
SUPPORT THE PROJECT
We are looking for funding and volunteers !