Abstract:
Moringa (Moringa stenopetala (Bak.f.) Cuf.) locally known as Haleko is common vegetable tree
native to the Southern Ethiopia (Gamo Gofa, Wolaita, Konso, Debub Omo and Dherashe) and
grown mainly for its food value. It is a drought resistant and fast growing tree that has high
nutritional and medicinal value. The objective of this study was to assess M. stenopetala
consumption pattern and indigenous processing practices of the households of Demba Gofa
Woreda of Gamo Gofa zone. Three kebeles namely, Zanga awande, Sawla (Gurade) and Falka
tsawaye of Demba Gofa district were selected purposively for this study. A total of 78
households were selected using systematic random sampling technique to assess the
consumption pattern and indigenous processing practices. Socio-economic data were collected
through questionnaire and scheduled interview. The data were analyzed using descriptive
statistics. The finding showed that family size and educational level of the households positively
influence the consumption and indigenous processing. However, the monthly income of the
households influences negatively the consumption and indigenous processing of Moringa plant
in the study area. It was found that most of the local people use indigenous processing practices
for leaf cooking but most of them did not know the Moringa leaf powder processing. However,
55% of the respondents were traditionally using the plant to treat malaria. The consumption
status of Moringa was low. About 10% of households were consuming Moringa as daily food.
The study therefore recommends that the households of the study area should be educated to
build awareness for the benefit and effective consumption of Moringa.
