Moringa oleifera as a potential avenue to improve food security in rural Malawi

Abstract

M. oleifera (Moringa) is a multipurpose tree with the potential to contribute nutrients to people's diets as well as pharmacological benefits. It is widely distributed in low- and middle-income countries, yet it remains underutilized. Here, we examine the potential of M. oleifera to improve rural people's food security and dietary diversity. We focus on Malawi, where 35 % of children under the age of five suffer from stunting and 51 % of the population is classified as severely food insecure. We draw on a survey with 60 women in rural Malawi detailing food security, dietary diversity, and consumption of different M. oleifera parts and products. Using Poisson regressions, we found that M. oleifera tree ownership is associated with a 28 % decrease in food insecurity levels. Moreover, people with awareness of the benefits of M. oleifera consumption were more likely to consume leaf powder compared to people without the same awareness. Specifically, each additional benefit mentioned by women increased the odds of powder consumption by a factor of 4.6. As such, our findings highlight 1) the underutilized potential of M. oleifera in local people's food security, and 2) how awareness can be key to increased consumption. Policies should be designed to raise awareness and educate rural communities about the benefits of M. oleifera, targeting communities, schools, and healthcare facilities. Finally, M. oleifera products could provide rural women with opportunities to increase household income, contingent on establishing contracts with exporters and collectors.