Utilization and Health Benefit of Moringa Oleifera Among Rural Household in Kogi State Nigeria

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examined utilization and health benefits of Moringa oleifera among rural households of Kogi State Nigeria. A sample size of 103 rural households was obtained through a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages and mean) and logistic regression. The result indicates that use for cooking tea (X ̅ =2.62) ranked 1st, use for Vitamin A, C and minerals (X ̅ =2.50) ranked 2nd. This shows that Moringa could be used as sources of income to household and can also beautifying environment. The perceived health benefits of Moringa oleifera revealed that household agreed with the following perceived benefits of Moringa oleifera. Regulation of high pressure (X ̅ =5.0) ranked 1st. Also, use for body pain (X ̅ =4.81), hypertension (X ̅ =4.81), and beautifies skin (X ̅ =4.81) ranked 2nd. Also, used in treatment of fever (X ̅ =4.79), use for stomach pain (X ̅ =4.69), use for treatment of diabetes (X ̅ =4.21) and use for treatment of cough (X ̅ =3.82). Factors affecting the utilization of Moringa Olifera showed that the coefficient of household (0.1647064) was positively significant at 5% level of probability, The coefficient of education at 1% level of probability. It was concluded that households in study area utilize Moringa for both ornamental and medicinal purposes. The study recommended that house hold should find alternative means of tackling pest and diseases associated with Moringa and extension agents should create awareness on other health benefit associated to the use of Moringa