Interim Brief
May 25, 2008
Interim Brief:
Per expectations, the original plan of action has been evolved to fit
the situation on the ground. While strategy and tactics have changed,
the mission of introducing moringa to general domestic production and
consumption has not.
The stages were set up as 1. run taste trials, 2. propagate among
homesteads, and 3. formation of co-operative for processing and sales.
The stages have been adjusted. The taste trials can be conducted very
quickly at any time; it is now of secondary focus. Propagation has
been switched over to partner NGOs. Formation of income generating
co-operative is sufficiently far in the future that detailed plans now
are unnecessary.
To review, the updated plan of action is as follows; 1. get government
permission, 2. prepare trial / demonstration plots on the grounds of
our partner, 3. propagate among communities of our hosts.
Since moringa is a non-indigenous plant, the most difficult and
time-consuming stage is to receive official permission from Ministry
of Agriculture and Co-Operatives. Incidentally, the country has had a
spat of controversy with invasive or harmful trees; the Australian
wattle, eucalyptus, jacaranda, and the recent jatropha. These issues
in addition to significant government inertia is slowing down
progress.
However, we believe that with the strong reputation of moringa and
constructive (and ginger) negotiations with all stakeholders will
ultimately unlock moringa for general utilization.
While the proposal is being considered by MOAC, we have been securing
land for the trials.
We have opted to place moringa in the hands of organizations and
missions that are already in the communities and have programs in
agriculture. There are 3 important reasons. First, these groups have
already been working within the communities for many years and have
built up important understanding and relationships. Second, these
groups have the organizational infrastructure and resources to monitor
and maintain the trial plots. Third, we believe that their collective
influence and reputation can be leveraged upon the Ministry to get
permits speedily.
swaziAID will support the maintenance of these plots both technically
and financially.
The propagation strategies in the future will vary according to each
organization and community. Generally, our partners have home
gardening / agricultural programs in their activity. Upon the success
of the trials, our partners will slot moringa into their current
programs and workshops. Among the partners, some will harvest and
process the leaves into a powder for a dietary supplement. Through
this and other activities, the perceived value of moringa powder will
be built up. This critical perceived value will be the incentive for
homesteads to try to grow moringa for home use and for sales.
In Swaziland, women typically purchase stocks of fruits and vegetables
from South African whole-salers and re-sell around town (especially
around the bus ranks). Ultimately, the hope is that these women will
be selling the moringa powder as a valued standard commodity in these
markets.
As before, upon excess production of moringa powder within the
country, domestic malnutrition would have been addressed and a moringa
co-operative will be formed to tap into international markets.
In addition to the moringa project, we have been identifying
appropriate projects to be run in parallel. Among these are income
generation for women by way of crafts and supporting a girl's soccer
team. Our other projects will become more clear in about a month or
so.