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Tag: moringa

  • 5 health benefits of moringa

    5 health benefits of moringa

    Moringa, often referred to as the “drumstick tree” or “miracle tree,” is a highly nutritious plant that offers various health benefits. Here are five benefits of moringa:

    1. Nutrient-Rich: Moringa is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, calcium, iron, and potassium. It is also a good source of protein and dietary fiber, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet.
    2. Antioxidant Properties: Moringa is rich in antioxidants, such as quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and beta-carotene, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants are essential for overall health and may lower the risk of chronic diseases.
    3. Anti-Inflammatory: The plant contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to various health conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Moringa’s anti-inflammatory properties can contribute to better health.
    4. Lowers Cholesterol: Moringa has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels, specifically LDL (bad) cholesterol. Lowering LDL cholesterol can help improve heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
    5. Potential Blood Sugar Control: Some studies suggest that moringa may help regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for people with diabetes. Its ability to improve insulin sensitivity can contribute to better glycemic control.

    It’s worth noting that while moringa offers these potential health benefits, it should be consumed as part of a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you have specific health concerns or conditions, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating moringa into your daily routine.

  • USAID launches $35.9m grant to support agric market systems in Ghana

    A $35.9 million grant program has been launched by the United States Agency for International Development (USIAD) to assist Ghana’s agricultural systems in ensuring food security and enhancing the standard of living for nearly 200,000 people.

    The five-year initiative would offer the funding and input required to boost production of maize, shea, bambara beans, soybeans, cowpea, groundnuts, tomatoes, pepper, onion, mango, and moringa, as well as their value addition.

    The project, dubbed the Ghana Market Systems and Resilience (MSR) Activity, will help smallholder farmers, especially women and young people, as well as out-growers, buyers, processors, and exporters.

    Through the grant facility, which takes effect from March 2023, smallholder farmers and other value chain actors would have access to a financing amount between $5,000 and $25,000 for various projects.

    It is expected that the project would increase off-farm employment and investment opportunities and help solve value chain challenges including single growing season, limited access to land, water, inputs and services and fragmented markets.

    Mr Raymond Denteh, Agribusiness and Financial Services Team Leader, MSR Activity, Ghana, said the essence of the grant project was to make sure that the market system was more resilient, more robust and inclusive.

    He said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency after the launch of the project in Accra on Monday, which coincided with a roadshow for stakeholders in the agriculture value chain.

    The roadshow would also take place at Tamale, Bolgatanga, Wa and the North East Regions, to help prospective applicants understand the purpose, eligibility requirements, application process and the nature of the grant.

    Mr Denteh said USAID wanted to start the project’s rollout as soon as possible, so they would fast-track processes for beneficiaries to access the grant after four to eight weeks of vetting.

    He said: “The project is to support and strengthen the agric market system for increased efficiency, productivity and investment to drive economic growth and increase incomes of households in catchment regions.”

    He added: “We’ll target women and youth and people with disabilities and focus on commodities that would promote those elements. We want to make sure that the market system is resilient and sustainable, and we’re really committed to it.”

    Mr Eric Sunu, the Monitoring and evaluation Manager for the Ghana MSR Activity also said that the grant would target private sector businesses and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), noting that applicants whose projects best aligned with the goals of the project would benefit.

    He, therefore, encouraged applicants to ensure that they took part in the roadshows to acquaint themselves with the application processes and requirements to benefit and affect the lives of others.

    Mr Sunu said: “The grant is for actors and businesses within the ecosystem to use to implement activities sustainably to will benefit actors and meet the target that has been set out by the donor to the project.”

    Some participants at the roadshow lauded the initiative and pledged that the grant received would go to the targeted areas to support the agriculture and food system in Ghana, while improving the lives of people in rural communities.