MORINGA SEEDLING RAISING: A TOOL FOR WEALTH CREATION AND YOUTHS EMPOWERMENT IN NORTH EASTERN NIGERIA

Abstract:
This study focuses on the role of Moringa seedling raising as a tool for wealth creation and youth empowerment in North Eastern Nigeria. The region faces numerous socio-economic challenges, including high unemployment rates and limited economic opportunities, particularly for the youth population. Moringa, an indigenous plant with various nutritional and medicinal benefits, presents a promising avenue for addressing these challenges.

The objective of this study is to examine the potential of Moringa seedling raising as a viable economic venture that can generate income and empower the youth in the region. The research methodology involves a combination of literature review, data analysis, and field surveys conducted among Moringa farmers, youth entrepreneurs, and relevant stakeholders in the North Eastern Nigeria.

The findings indicate that Moringa seedling raising has the potential to create wealth and empower youth in several ways. Firstly, it provides opportunities for income generation through the sale of Moringa seedlings, leaves, and other value-added products such as Moringa oil and powder. Secondly, the cultivation and processing of Moringa products can lead to the establishment of small-scale enterprises, thus creating employment opportunities for the youth.

Moreover, Moringa seedling raising offers environmental benefits, as the plant is known for its ability to thrive in arid and semi-arid regions with minimal water requirements. This makes it suitable for farming in the North Eastern Nigeria, which is characterized by a dry climate. Additionally, Moringa farming promotes sustainable agriculture practices, as the plant's leaves and seeds can be used as organic fertilizers and biopesticides.

The study also highlights the challenges faced by youth entrepreneurs in the Moringa seedling raising sector, including limited access to capital, inadequate technical skills, and a lack of market linkages. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-dimensional approach involving government support, capacity building programs, and access to finance and markets.

In conclusion, Moringa seedling raising holds significant potential as a tool for wealth creation and youth empowerment in North Eastern Nigeria. By harnessing the economic opportunities presented by the cultivation and processing of Moringa, the region can stimulate local economies, alleviate poverty, and provide sustainable livelihoods for the youth. However, it is crucial to address the existing challenges and create an enabling environment that supports the growth of the Moringa sector and empowers the youth to fully benefit from its potential.