Farmers in northwest Kenya are embracing the Moringa tree through agroforestry, reports the Business Daily.

Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) has been promoting the tree as suitable for the local climate, drought-resistant and fast growing. Already about 1,000 seedlings have been sold. The tree has many nutritional and medicinal benefits which KEFRI believes will help tackle malnutrition, heal parasitic diseases and manage diabetes.

Moringa oleifera is native to the Himalayas but widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas. The leaves are a good source of protein, vitamins A, B and C, minerals such as calcium and iron, and amino acids. The pods, green peas and seeds can also be eaten, and the flowers either eaten or used to make a tea.

Read the full story: Kefri promotes moringa tree to fight malnutrition