Kenya camping:The moringa plant

Baringo County in the Rift Valley, Kenya part, is very rich in many self-sustenance avenues. For a first timer, Baringo is a dry country side, very rocky area. Most noticeable is the many rivers you cross before reaching the small town of Baringo. Famous for the smoked fish and bee-keeping, the recent is Moringa plant farming. Apparently the older generation is very much aware of this tree, grown mainly in semi-arid tropical and subtropical areas. Usually the areas that have dry sandy soil. This tree tolerates poor soil and is found in many places including the coastal areas. It is a fast growing drought resistant tree. Moringa is grown in home gardens and as living fences. In the rift valley it is commonly sold in local markets. It is grown for its leaves which are used for many purposes.

How it is grown

Moringa is propagated by planting 1-2m long cuttings. The plant starts bearing pods 6-8 months after planting but regular bearing commence after the second year and continues for several years. The seeds can also be planted. The seeds can grow all year round in well draining soil. This gives this plant a huge preference as an all year round plant.

As with all plants, optimum cultivation depends on producing the right environment for the plant and thus they do not tolerate cold environment. It needs very little water after planting, which is why it is suitable for dry regions, as it can be grown using rain water without expensive irrigation techniques.

The roots are shredded and used as a condiment and many families are using it to make little income by selling the condiment. Many parts of the Moringa are edible, but different regions or people have preference for different part.

Parts usually used are:

• Mature seeds
• The leaves
• Oil pressed from the mature seeds.
• Roots
• The flowers

In some region, the seed pods are commonly eaten while in others, the leaves are the most commonly used part of the plant. The flowers are edible when cooked and are said to taste like mushrooms.

Other communities in Kenya take the parts for different local medicinal values.

The leaves are the most nutritious part of the plant being a significant source of B vitamins, vitamin C provitamin as beta carotene, vitamin k and protein among other essential nutrients.

In addition to the leaves being used fresh as a substitute for spinach, they are commonly dried and crushed into a powder used in soups and sources.

Peter K. Philip

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