Abstract:
Although Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) is a multipurpose tree with remarkable
nutritional and therapeutic benefits, it is undervalued and neglected in Kenya, as the local people
associate it with famine and poverty. The present study aims to assess and document the traditional
knowledge on use and management as well as production constraints of the species among the
Mijikenda community in Kilifi County, Kenya. We found that the plant is locally used as food and
medicine for various ailments, including diabetes, high blood pressure, ulcers, stomach aches, and
body pains. In addition, the plant is used for fencing and as a source of fuel. Watering and pruning
were found to be the main management practices of the plant. Slightly more than half (51.3%) of
the respondents reported pests as a constraint in growing the plant, while the bitter taste (60.5%)
and small leaves (36.8%) were deterrents to its consumption and harvesting, respectively. More than
half (55.3%) of the respondents had between one and five trees in their compounds, indicating a
low preference for the plant compared to major crops. The plant species is undervalued compared
to locally grown major crops, highlighting the need for concerted efforts to raise awareness of its
potential benefits and address the production challenges.
