Today seemed like it would be just another ordinary day. After opening my eyes and finishing an entry in my wellness journal, I began checking my inbox. To my pleasant surprise, there was an email from Alice!
Alice, an environmental enthusiast from Côte d’Ivoire, was one of the Makomas Foundation’s earliest volunteers. Her energy is infectious, and her words always fill me with joy. In her email, she asked me to read about her latest encounter with a rural woman farmer named Madeleine. Sensing there was something meaningful behind her request, I brewed a cup of Makoma’s Hibiscus and Moringa tea and continued reading in silence.
Madeleine’s Story
Once upon a time, about a decade ago, to be precise, a rural woman farmer lived in Côte d’Ivoire. Her name was Alima, and her life was tough. Her farm was her only source of livelihood, and the meager income she earned depended entirely on the weather.
She was the slave to the rains. In some years, clouds showered her fields, covering the otherwise barren land with fruit-bearing trees. However, for some years, the land remained dry and lifeless.
The only constant in her fields was the moringa tree, which never deserted her. The loyal tree grew every year, whether there was drought or rain. It became her constant companion and secret keeper. She would speak to it about her hopes and plans for the future. Having someone around constantly made her feel less lonely.
Little did she know then that this tree would miraculously bring her relief from her struggles and give her life a renewed sense of purpose.
Alice could not help but ask Madeleine, “Wait, are you referring to Moringa Oleifera? Also known as the drumstick tree? And it goes by the name of the miracle tree?”
She gave Alice a wide grin and replied, “Well, yes, mademoiselle. I speak of that very tree!”.
Alice was completely captivated by her story and so was I.
Moringa Tales
Moringa, or Moringa Oleifera, is capable of growing fast in harsh conditions. It is native to Africa and Asia and is often called the Miracle Tree. It is a versatile plant with multiple environmental benefits and an impressive nutritional profile.
Being able to grow in poor soil, Moringa has low water needs and is suitable for sustainable agriculture. It is drought-resistant, helps combat soil erosion, and can be used to improve soil fertility. Its ability to grow quickly and yield abundant nutrients makes it an excellent choice for food security.
Nutritional Powerhouse
Moringa has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is one of the most nutrient-dense plants on earth, containing 18 amino acids (building blocks of protein). It is rich in vitamins A, C, and E and minerals like Calcium, Iron, and Potassium.
Health Benefits
Here are just a few of the many health benefits of moringa:
- Aids in digestive health, alleviating constipation, bloating, and stomach ulcers.
- Rich in antioxidants, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Strengthens the immune system and helps fight infections.
- Nourishes the skin with nutrients and antioxidants that promote a healthy glow and may prevent skin damage.
The dried leaves of the moringa tree are commonly ground into powder and used in smoothies, soups, teas, or sprinkled on food. In Côte d’Ivoire, locals have been cooking with moringa powder for generations.
Little did anybody realize or know that this moringa leaf powder was a big deal.
Amina’s Woes
One of the bottlenecks for the rural women farmers was the middleman who would often cheat them by paying unfairly low prices for their produce. The hard work that went into toiling their fields would not reap enough benefits for these farmers. Their situation became worse in the years when rainfall was not ample.
Amina was one such farmer.
Makomas Foundation: Agent of Change
The Makomas Foundation reached Amina and other rural women farmers, informing them of the growing demand for moringa powder in the West. Through training and support, the foundation helped them gain economic independence.
Amina no longer has to rely on fate or unscrupulous middlemen to sell her produce. She now sells directly to the foundation.
“In Amina’s case, I’ve truly seen her moringa tree bring miracles to her life,” Madeleine concluded.
I was deeply moved by the story and the incredible impact our foundation has had on women like Amina. Over 350 rural women farmers have benefited from the work of our foundation. We have also been able to help over 800 women farmers implement good agricultural practices.
These stories continue to humble me and reaffirm my belief in hope, faith, and miracles. I thanked Alice for sharing Amina’s story and, with a full heart, added her email to my gratitude journal.
Cheers!
Magbè