Knowledge management and publication of the nutritional profile of Moringa stenopetala from the project target area, South Ethiopia, Wezeka

Details
PROJECT SUMMARY

Project name

Knowledge management and publication of the nutritional profile of

Moringa stenopetala from the project target area, South Ethiopia, Wezeka

Project short-name

KMP-Moringa

AMU project code

EXT/UNIDO/VPRP/20/2017

Project phase

I

Partner(s)/ country(ies)

UNIDO/The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS)

AMU coordinating office(s)

Research Directorate Office

Project type

Research

Project implementation location

Arba Minch Zuria Woreda, wozeka Kebele

Target communities

Moringa growers

Project coordinator

VPRC

Principal investigator (PI)

Addisu Fekadu Andeta

Co-investigators

Ms. Gelila Biresaw; Mr. Kidus Temesgen; Mr. Zerihun Shambel

Partner budget contribution (Euro)

19,508

Total project budget will be utilized (Euro)

19,508

Project start

1-Jan-24

Project end

31-Oct-24

Project finance management office

AMU main finance & budget admin

Progress reporting period

quarterly

Contact person (name and e-mail)

Addisu Fekadu; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Project Management Office

Office of the Director for Grant and Collaborative Project Management:

Dr. Thomas Torora (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) 
PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Moringa stenopetala, known for its exceptional nutritional profile, holds significant potential to combat malnutrition in regions suffering from food insecurity. This project investigates the nutritional benefits of Moringa stenopetala, Kocho (a traditional Ethiopian food derived from Ensete ventricosum), a Moringa-Kocho blend (15% Moringa and 85% Kocho), and snacks developed from these ingredients. The findings demonstrate the promising potential of combining Moringa with traditional foods to improve nutritional intake and promote food security.

The nutritional analysis reveals that Moringa leaves are a rich source of protein (26.89%), fat (8.19%), fiber (7.92%), vitamin C (77.68 mg), calcium (1132.06 mg), and potassium (2096.59 mg) per 100 grams, making them ideal for addressing dietary deficiencies. Kocho, while moderate in its nutritional content, provides valuable nutrients like protein (5.00%), fat (4.84%), fiber (5.25%), potassium (1179.39 mg), and vitamin C (55.34 mg). When blended, these ingredients create a balanced nutritional profile: 8.66% protein, 6.90% fat, 4.58% fiber, vitamin C (144.06 mg), and substantial mineral content, including potassium (2302.44 mg) and calcium (546.45 mg).

The project also explores the development of nutrient-dense snacks from the Moringa-Kocho blend, which offer a convenient and nutritious food option containing 7.95% protein, 7.23% fat, 5.17% fiber, vitamin C (89.24 mg), and iron (9.94 mg). These findings underscore the potential of using local, nutrient-rich ingredients to enhance dietary intake and address malnutrition.

By promoting the integration of Moringa and Kocho into local diets, this project aims to provide accessible, affordable, and nutritious food options that can improve overall health and nutrition. The development and commercialization of Moringa-Kocho blends and snacks will support efforts to combat malnutrition, enhance food security, and strengthen the resilience of communities in regions plagued by food scarcity.