Moricao

Short description

Help for self-help, through the transfer of know-how and the establishment of a functioning business model that improves the nutrition and income situation in poor, rural areas.

Which problem do we aim to solve and why?

We want to solve three specific problems with our project:

(1) combat malnutrition due to an unbalanced diet, especially in children who are particularly vulnerable
(2) reduce diseases caused by contaminated water
(3) diversify and increase farmers’ incomes

These points are particularly important as the rural regions are characterized by fragile weather conditions, small-scale monocultures and also have a difficult access to nutritious food and clean drinking water.

Our solution

We try to solve the problems above by establishing the cultivation of the Moringa tree, which is native to the West African region. This plant is a so-called Superfood. The richness of valuable micronutrients of Moringa makes it possible to counteract several deficiencies. Furthermore, the seeds of the tree have the ability to purify water from dirt and pathogens. In addition, the Moringa tree has further outstanding properties. Depending on the environment, it grows 4-8 meter in the first year, it doesn’t need fertilization but fertilizes the soil in its surrounding and has a high resistance in drought periods. In order to take advantage of these unique features, our goal is to establish the Moringa tree as an agricultural crop and to pass on the know-how to the local population for its efficient and effective use. We want to use the so-called “Train the Trainer” concept so that the idea can be extended and established for the long term.

Why is our idea innovative, new and different?

The Moringa tree has only regained its prominence in the last few years, with the growing awareness of nutrition. So far it is not used effectively in Côte d’Ivoire. Or innovative approach is to use it in combination with the cultivation of cocoa plants, which gives the necessary shade and valuable fertilization to grow. Secondarily, this leads to a diversification of farmers’ income and nutrition, thereby counteracting problems of shortage and poverty.

How is our idea feasible?

The feasibility depends on several factors:

Sufficient pre-financing
Acquiring expert knowledge
Gain project partners in Germany and on-site

In particular, the project partner on site has a great importance:

to establish contact with the local community
to present the idea as well as to hold workshops on cultivation and use
to build the first plantation

In the long term, the expansion is to be promoted by the project partner without our intervention.

Which technologies, channels or methods are we planning to use?

The primary methods of spreading this project are the workshops and the “Train the Trainer” program. For a sustainable spread and protection of the idea, simple, pictorial instructions for cultivation and use are brought along and distributed. In addition to this, the project team is also involved in the acquisition of Moringa products outside the Community, to further promote the exchange.

What outcome and what improvements do we expect? How do we measure these?

We expect the nutritional, water and income situation to improve in communities. Measurable changes in the nutritional and water situation are primarily caused by the occurrence of diseases and the reduction of the mortality rate. We also expect an increase in the sale of cocoa, as well as an increase in income through the sale of Moringa products.

Our budget planning & acquisition of potential partners

Budget planning for the first trip:

Materials: 900 €

Travel expenses (carefully calculated) for three persons (14 days): 4980 € (flight, food, visa, accommodation, car rental)

Total: 5880 €

Project partners: Various foundations and organizations with relations to partners in Côte d’Ivoire, cocoa cultivation and/or lack of nutrition.

Team:

Lenn Jelte Mügge, Maurice Krauth, Merle Peters, Henrik Wolken, Marco Sander