Increasing interest in the health benefits of Moringa is likely to see a boost in production in Ethiopia.

An article in Addis Fortune explains that there are 13 species of Moringa tree in the world, the most common of which are Moringa stenopetala and Moringa oleifera.

The leaves of the moringa tree are rich in protein, vitamins A, B and C. The seeds have considerable oil content.

Moringa is processed into a powder that can be mixed with tea or other foods. In the UK, 200 grams of Moringa sells for about 191 Br (about US $10) but in Ethiopia the price is around 50 Birr (US $2.50)

In Ethiopia, Moringa stenopetala is the most commonly grown species, known locally as Shiferaw or Aleko. In southern Ethiopia, the leaf of the plant is used as a substitute for cabbage in the local diet. It is also used as animal feed.

Moringa is one of the least traded commodities in Ethiopia and the level of consumption is restricted to a few areas of the Southern Region.

But this is set to change. Interest in Moringa is growing, both in Ethiopia and worldwide. Production is expanding from the Southern Region to other parts of the country. Moringa powder is increasingly available in city supermarkets in Ethiopia and there are plans to increase export with several investors interested in establishing value chains for the product, supported by the government of Ethiopia. Research is also being conducted on the tree and its nutritional value.

Read the full story: Moringamania