Income Benefits of Moringa vis-à-vis Other Leafy Vegetables to Female Traders in Jalingo Markets, Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study compared the financial benefits of female traders obtained from Moringa oleifera with that from other leafy vegetables in Jalingo Local Government Area markets. It also identified challenges of trade in Moringa leaves in the area. Data collected from 120 respondents through a semi-structured questionnaire were analyzed using Prioritization matrix, Gross Margin (GM) analysis, and ANOVA. Daily mean Gross Income (GI) from Moringa leaves (NGN1127.84) and Amaranthus (NGN503.84) ranked first and second respectively with scores of 16 and 12. Sorrel leaves (NGN367.80) and Ceratotheca leaves (NGN380.42) ranked third and fourth respectively with 7 and 5 as scores. Daily mean GM of trade in Moringa leaves was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that from Amaranthus, Sorrel and Ceratotheca leaves. Trade in Moringa leaves therefore generated higher financial benefits than the other leafy vegetables. The challenges of its trade were poor sheds/storage facilities, inadequate processing equipment and sources of credit, as well as rottenness and seasonality in yield. The study recommended the provision of rural infrastructures as well as processing and storage facilities to improve trade benefits to the traders from these commodities.

Profitability of Trade in Moringa oleifera (LAM) Fresh Leaves in Taraba State, Nigeria

“…The results on estimated monthly income generated (Table 2) LGA may be as a results of competition in the market as there was availability of the produce and many buyers were on ground to purchase the leaves, compare to other markets that had limited supply of the produce. Terver, et al [2] in their study found out that trade in moringa garnered more income compared to other leafy vegetables in Jalingo markets, Taraba State.…”

“…The study population comprised all the traders marketing Moringa oleifera (Lam) leaves in Taraba State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was adopted for the study in line with the work of Terver, et al [2]. Stage 1: ten…”

“…Moringa oleifera (Lam) is the most widely known species out of the 12 from the Moringaceae. It is variously known as 'Haakoobisii' by Mumuye people, 'Zogale' in Hausa, 'Jeghlegede' in Tiv, 'Gegeredi' in Idoma, 'Gelgedi' in Igala, Gawara by Fulani, Oduduoyinbo or okochiegbu in Igbo, Chigbanwawa by Nupe and Ewele or Idagbomonoye ("the tree which grows crazily") in Yoruba, [2] and [3].…”

“…There are a lot of profits tied to trade in Moringa oleifera (Lam) Fresh Leaves in Taraba if properly and religiously harnessed by all stakeholders. Terver, et al [2] found out trade in moringa leaves generated higher financial benefits than the other leafy vegetables.…”

“…According to Terver, et al [2] and Moringanews [15], there is dearth of information on trade in Moringa oleifera leaves in Taraba State and particularly its profitability. This situation does not encourage Government and Non-Governmental Organizations to (NGOs) towards making policies and programs that will address the problems of trade in Moringa oleifera (Lam) leaves in Taraba State.…”