The Moringa Tree, which is native to parts of Africa and Asia, is said to prevent many different diseases. But to realise the full potential of this tree to human health, livestock production, plant growth and crop yields requires greater research.

In November 2015, the First International Symposium on Moringa will be held in the Philippines with the title: Moringa: A Decade of Advances in Research and Development.

The event will bring together scientists from the international community to share new knowledge and information on Moringa, and to promote the sustainability of its production, processing, utilization, marketing and trade as well as consumption for health and vitality, industry profitability and competitiveness.

There are 13 species of Moringa, the most widely cutivated of which is Moringa oleifera. The leaves of the Moringa tree contain 4 times the calcium of milk, 3 times the potassium of bananas, 4 times the vitamin A of carrots, twice the protein of milk and 7 times the vitamin C of oranges.

Moringa seeds contain 30 to 40 per cent oil and are high in protein. The tree is also planted in many areas to prevent erosion.

For more info about the Moringa Tree, visit: https://www.treesforlife.org/our-work/our-initiatives/moringa

For more information about the Symposium, visit: http://ism2015.moringaling.net/home.php

View a presentation from the World Congress of Agroforestry 2014 on Moringa for Improved Nutrition