Nutritional Outlooks of Moringa oleifera and African Malnutrition Challenges: A Case Study of Nigeria

Securing adequate nutrition for the growing population is a major development agenda being pursued by many African policy makers. However, hunger and malnutrition are still among the major economic and human development challenges in many African countries. In Nigeria, the growing dimension of the nation’s food problem cumulatively impacts many development indicators. This paper therefore sought to provide an outlook of Moringa oleifera’s nutritional composition in relation to Nigerian current food challenges. It was argued that Moringa provides some nutritionalpotentials for reducing the rate of vitamin A deficiency among Nigerian children. It is also cost-effective given its ease of propagation, resistance to droughtand high vegetative growth. The onus rests on Nigerian farmers and individuals to explore these opportunities, while government provides the necessary supports to ensure availability of viable seeds and other technical assistance. [Oyekale AS. Nutritional Outlooks of Moringa oleifera and African Malnutrition Challenge: A Case Study of Nigeria. Life Sci J 2012;9(4):3867-3872] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 576