Role of Co-design in Developing an Enhanced Moringa-Based Intervention for Rural Livelihood Opportunities

Abstract

AbstractIndpur, in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, is home to naturally grown Moringa Oleifera (MO) trees. Widely known for its health benefits, MO can be a sustainable source of livelihood for rural communities, provided a user-centric affordable technology is adopted by the community. This study is in continuation to the human-centric research focused on sparse income opportunities for women conducted at Indpur. This study was focused on the enhancement of the native resident’s awareness of the promising Moringa plant as a rich source of nutrition and medicinal benefits, while also assessing the community needs in terms of intervention design. Co-design methodology was conducted with Indpur’s women. The outcome, supplemented by a literature-based comparative study, helped to zero in on Hammer Mill grinding process for powdering the Moringa plant. The study involved developing a rough prototype of Hammer Mill on-field by which the participants were able to visualize the design. The study concludes with an overview of Hammer Mill technology. The study was relevant to achievement of the following United Nation’s (UN) SDGs at the local level—SDG 5, SDG 8, and SDG 17.KeywordsCo-designIncome generationIndpurLive-in-Labs®Moringa OleiferaSustainable development