Abundancia 2013

Project #10 - Moringa Trees

​    In an effort to increase the nutrition in the Nivacle diet and possibly provide them a revenue source our goal was to find moringa seeds, teach them the value of moringa and how to grow the moringa trees. After arriving in the Chaco, we visited the agricultural research center in Pioneros. The representative from the European Union was excited to meet with and eager to help us out. He had helped two communities near Abundancia grow the trees and thought they would grow fine in Abundancia. He gave us 25 seeds per family and lot of extras, which we ended giving to the Mistolar community. The engineer shared with us how to grow and take care of Moringa in the Chaco. One community meeting included a class on the uses of Moringa, the nutritional value as well as the possible financial value of selling the leaves. They were also taught how to grow the trees. Each household in attendance received their seeds. Just 4 days later several excited members called us over to their houses and showed off their sprouted plants. A week and a half later and many people had plants that were up to 6 inches tall and full of leaves. It will be interesting to monitor the growth of these trees into the future.