ISHS Acta Horticulturae 806: International Symposium on Underutilized Plants for Food Security, Nutrition, Income and Sustainable Development
A MULTIPURPOSE CABBAGE TREE (MORINGA STENOPETALA): PRODUCTION, UTILIZATION AND MARKETING IN SNNPR, ETHIOPIA |
| Authors: | A. Tenaye, E. Geta, E. Hebana |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.2009.806.12 |
| Abstract:
The cabbage tree moringa (Moringa stenopetala) is a deciduous plant cultivated in the southern part of Ethiopia. It is indigenous to Ethiopia, distributed in the lowland ecology of the southern part of the country. The plant is used for food, fodder, shade, windbreak, cash and medicine. It is a contingency crop in frequently drought-affected lowland areas with its high yielding capacity under drought condition and it can be harvested all year round. This study was conducted with the objectives of analyzing the production, utilization and marketing systems of this cabbage tree in the region, and identifying constraints and opportunities for its production, utilization, and marketing. This study is based on data collected from Derashe, Konso, Arba Minch, Gofa and Humbo woredas with a total of 97 sample households interviewed to collect the primary data. In addition, focus group discussions and secondary data collection were undertaken to supplement the primary data. Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation and percentages were used to analyze the data. The result showed that moringa plays a significant role in household food security. According to the results of group discussions with farmers, 20-50 moringa trees are enough to support a family with 10-15 members by providing food supply even in situations when no other sources of food are available. Farmers in the areas are using moringa during both dry and wet seasons in their diet. Moringa plays a vital role for household food security, as source of income, medicine, fodder, fuel and shade tree all year round. | |
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