Awareness and utilization of Moringa oleifera as a sustainable livelihood approach: A case study of Sauyemwa West and Kaisosi East areas in Rundu, Kavango East region, Namibia

Abstract

Abstract Objective: This study explored the awareness and utilization of Moringa oleifera for sustainable livelihoods in Kaisosi East and Sauyemwa West areas in Rundu in Kavango East region, Namibia Methodology: Purposive sampling was used to select two regions which are Kaisosi East and Sauyemwa West of Rundu in Kavango East region. Data on socio-demographics and uses of M. oleifera was collected using a structured interview questionnaire from 82 farmers that were randomly selected across the two selected areas of study. Results: Majority of farmers in the study area were female (56.1%) whereas for employment status 68.3% were unemployed and for educational, 51.2% had attained secondary school level of education. Results from the study revealed that majority of the respondents (48.8%) fell within the range of 20-39 years and 67.1% were single. The results also showed that the majority of the respondents were aware of the Moringa plant such that 34.7% use it for medicinal purposes and 19.5% as source of income generation through the sales of Moringaproducts. The results showed that there is no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the use of Moringa between socio-demographic factors. The study further revealed that many of the farmers were aware of the plant and could identify the plant physically and by name. Recommendations: The study suggests that there is a large scope for increasing the cultivation and utilization of the M. oleifera in the study area. To achieve that objective, efforts are needed to improve farmers’ access to credit and markets as well as training production and processing of M. oleifera.