Moringa oleifera as a Source of Economic Empowerment for Farmers in Kaduna State: a Case Study of Bomo Village, Sabon Gari Local Government Area

Abstract

The study investigated the use of Moringa oleifera as a source of economic empowerment for farmers in Bomo Village, Sabon Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Twenty farmers whose previous knowledge of the tree was first investigated through oral discussion were randomly selected to participate in the study. Specifically, the study identified the farmers' socio economic characteristics, awareness level about the tree and their willingness to go into the commercial cultivation of Moringa.
Group discussion, oral interview as well as self administered structured questionnaires were used to obtain information from the farmers. Simple descriptive statistical techniques such as frequency counts and percentages were equally used to summarize the data collected. Gross margin analysis that was used indicated that for every hectare of Moringa plantation established, the farmer stands to realize an average income of two hundred and thirty seven thousand, four hundred naira (N237, 400) which is more profitable when compared to other arable crops being cultivated in the study area.
The study also revealed that most of the farmers were not aware of the modern ways of propagating Moringa oleifera and its uses while the vast majority representing 95% of the group indicated their readiness to go into the commercial cultivation of Moringa oleifera after being trained.

Key words: Moringa oleifera, economic empowerment.