Exploring the awareness and value chain of Moringa oleifera for sustainable livelihoods: A case study of Sauyemwa West and Kaisosi East Areas in Rundu, Kavango East Region, Namibia

Abstract

The study explored the awareness and utilization of Moringa oleifera for sustainable livelihoods in Kaisosi East and Sauyemwa West areas in Rundu in Kavango East region of Namibia. Purposive sampling was used to select two regions, which are Kaisosi East and Sauyemwa West of Rundu in Kavango East region. Data on socio-demographics and uses of Moringa oleifera was collected using a structured interview questionnaire from 82 farmers that were randomly selected across the two selected areas of study. Majority of farmers in the study area were female (56.1%), whereas for employment status, 68.3% were unemployed, and for education, 51.2% had attained secondary school level of education. Results from the study revealed that most of the respondents (48.8%) fell within the age range of 20-39 years, and 67.1% were single. The results also showed that most of the respondents were aware of the Moringa. oleifera plant, such that 34.7% use it for medicinal purposes and 19.5% as a source of income generation through the sales of Moringa oleifera products. The results showed that there is no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the use of Moringa oleifera between socio-demographic factors. The study further revealed that many of the farmers could identify the plant physically and by name. The study suggests that there is a large scope for increasing the cultivation and utilization of Moringa oleifera in the study area. To achieve the objective, efforts are needed to improve farmers' access to credit and markets, as well as training in production and processing.