An Evaluation of the Potentials of Moringa oleifera Lam), A Vegetable and Hedgerow Plant for Diet Supplements and Multipurpose Utilizations

Abstract

A survey was carried out to evaluate the potentials of Moringa oleifera (Lam) within and outside the Kano metropolis of Kano state, Nigeria, where it serves as vegetable and hedgerow plant for diet supplements and multipurpose utilizations. Structured interview was used with a total of 100 respondents, randomly spread. In the Kano metropolis, which falls within the Kano city, 4 Local Government Areas (LGAs) were covered. These are: Nassarawa, Ungogo, Tarauni and Dala; while Madobi, Minjiibir, Garun Mallam and Dambatta LGAs were covered outside the Kano metropolis. Results of the structured interview using the Convenience Sampling Technique revealed that Moringa is very rich nutritionally, economically and medicinally. Moringa utilization cuts across various categories of people with 69% usage recorded for male and 40% for literate users, while students and civil servants had 21% each. Moringa farmers that cultivates simultaneously on farmlands and backyard gardens were however 73%. Analysis of results further indicated that the plant is rated very high as diet supplements in the state, owing to the fact that it is very rich nutritionally, apart from its economic and medicinal values. It is however recommended that its nursery propagation be encouraged, and community interest in its cultivation mobilized.