Moringa oleifera Lam.: A versatile climate-smart plant for nutritional security and therapeutic usage in semi-arid regions

Abstract

Moringa oleifera Lam. (moringa) is widely utilised around the world as a rich natural source of essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and protein. With an increase in malnutrition, diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), and poverty across Africa, moringa could be an excellent alternative healthy food crop for alleviating these challenges. It is well-known for its versatility, serving as a food and medicinal source for humans and animals alike, a coagulant for water purification, and a biostimulant. In addition, it is a fast-growing, and resilient perennial tree that can thrive in various climatic and edaphic conditions. This plant is excellent for farming systems in areas of water shortage, where moderate drought-related incidences are projected to increase as a result of climate change. Despite its potential benefits and extensive adaptability, progressive efforts to establish moringa as a commercial crop have been hampered by challenges such as low investment in research and development. Thus, it is imperative to encourage the cultivation, consumption, and development of this plant with high nutritional and therapeutic properties as a means of guaranteeing nutritional security. The current paper reviewed various aspects of moringa, including its growing conditions, prospects as a climate-smart crop, and its potential to alleviate malnutrition and diet-related NCDs, particularly in semi-arid regions. We emphasised that, with the improvement of current biotechnology tools and genome sequencing, there is a strong rationale for investing in and developing moringa as an alternative to address nutritional deficiencies in the post-pandemic era. Finally, the existing knowledge gaps (e.g., toxicity, invasion potential and plant breeding) that necessitate explorations were identified and recommendations that could enhance its utilisation and development.