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Did you ever wake up in the morning walked on the bathroom, opened the tap only to find a brown sandy substance to come out of it? At those times you would wish to have your own water treatment plant. Now you can have it. Although it probably looks different than you would expect: a big brown trunk with a green ecosystem on top of it. Am not talking about a chemical plant but about moringa oleifera (Drumstick).
The Drumstick tree is known as ‘mother’s best friend’ in some parts of East Africa, an indication that local people know all too well the value of this tree. It is a drought resistant, fast growing tree, which is very useful in Arid and semi arid areas where access to clean water is a major problem and people there cannot afford to buy purified water.
This tree species originally came from India. Indian workers who came to Africa to build Mombasa-Kampala railway line introduced it to Kenya at the turn of the century.
It can grow from 0-1000m altitude with at least 500mm average rainfall. It’s adapted to wide range of soil types but does well in well-drained clay loam soils, which is neutral or slightly acidic.
Moringa oleifera is also known as a ‘multipurpose’ tree for its many uses e.g.
-Crushed seeds (powder) clarify and purify river water to suit domestic use and it lowers the bacterial concentration in the water making it safe for drinking.
-Leaves, which are a good source protein, vitamin A, B and C and minerals such as calcium and iron, are used as spinach equivalent.
Young pods are also popular as vegetable (they are also sold around Ngara shops in Nairobi)
-Oil from the seeds, known as ‘ben oil’, is used in salad, foe skin poultices and for making soap, cosmetics and as lamp fuel.
-The powder ground from the seeds is also used in the treatment of scurvy skin diseases (common bacterial infection of the skin).
-Fodder-branches are chopped for feeding camels, cattle, goats and sheep.
-The press cake left after oil extraction from the seeds can be used as soil conditioner or as fertilizer and has the potential for use as a supplement for livestock and poultry feed.
From my laboratory results, I feel that areas in Kenya that have a major problem in accessing clean water e.g. Eastern, North eastern and some parts of Western Kenya could use this technology to access safe drinking water. I intend to continue with the study with water from different rivers and probably identify the bacteria found in the water.
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