Exploring the determinants of farmers' willingness to cultivate Moringa in the Philippines and its potential for economic and nutritional development.
In the Philippine province of Aurora, a quiet revolution is taking root. Moringa oleifera, known locally as "malunggay," has long been a common feature in backyards across the archipelago—a humble leafy green added to soups and stews. But this unassuming plant is now gaining global recognition as a "miracle tree" with the potential to transform not just nutrition but entire agricultural economies 1 4 .
While the world is just discovering its potential, Filipino farmers in places like Dipaculao, Aurora, are facing a critical question: what would it take to shift this backyard plant into a viable commercial crop?
The answer to this question represents more than just an agricultural decision—it's a potential pathway to addressing rural poverty, malnutrition, and sustainable development in regions where traditional crops struggle. This article explores groundbreaking research into the determinants of farmers' willingness to cultivate moringa in Dipaculao, Aurora, revealing surprising insights that could shape agricultural policy across the Philippines and beyond.
Moringa's reputation as a superfood is backed by impressive scientific evidence. When compared gram-for-gram with other nutrient-dense foods, the results are staggering: moringa contains twice the protein of kale, six times the iron, and an astonishing 97 times the vitamin B2 1 .
The plant's benefits extend beyond basic nutrition. Research published in 2023 confirmed that moringa possesses anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cancer-preventive properties 4 . Different parts of the plant have been used traditionally to treat conditions ranging from wounds and ulcers to liver disease and inflammation 4 .
Source: Food Revolution Network 1
The global market for moringa products is experiencing explosive growth, creating unprecedented opportunities for agricultural producers. The moringa seeds market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.68% from 2025 to 2032, reaching USD 19.63 Billion 3 . Similarly, the moringa extract market was valued at USD 5.8 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 12.2 Billion by 2033 9 .
Supplements, powders, and functional foods
Moringa oil in skincare products
Using seeds as natural coagulant
Sustainable alternative to traditional ingredients
For farmers in developing regions, this global demand represents a potential economic lifeline, connecting their agricultural production to international markets 3 .
In the municipality of Dipaculao, Aurora, researchers embarked on a systematic investigation to understand the factors influencing farmers' decisions to cultivate moringa. The study employed a descriptive research design, gathering data from local farmers using a specially developed questionnaire 2 .
The collected data was processed and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 23, a powerful tool for statistical analysis that helped researchers identify patterns and relationships in the farmers' responses 2 .
The majority of farmers held positive perceptions of moringa and expressed willingness to cultivate it commercially 2 .
Age, sex, farm size, years engaged in farming, and number of household members did not significantly affect farmers' willingness to cultivate moringa 2 .
The primary factors influencing cultivation decisions were centered around knowledge, resources, and support systems 2 .
The results contained surprising challenges to common assumptions about agricultural adoption. The finding that demographic factors don't determine willingness to cultivate moringa contradicts many traditional agricultural adoption models that assume these factors are primary determinants.
| Factor Category | Specific Factors | Impact on Willingness |
|---|---|---|
| Demographic Factors | Age, sex, farm size, years farming, household size | No significant impact |
| Perceptual Factors | Positive perception of moringa's uses and benefits | Strong positive correlation |
| Resource Constraints | Knowledge/skills gaps, capital requirements, equipment access | Significant negative impact |
| Support Systems | Availability of training, financial loans, machinery/tools | Strong positive correlation |
The research in Dipaculao confirmed that positive perceptions of moringa's versatility and economic potential were pivotal in farmers' willingness to cultivate it 2 . Farmers who understood the plant's multiple uses—from nutritional applications to medicinal properties—were more likely to view it as a viable commercial crop rather than just a subsistence plant.
This finding aligns with broader research on moringa's potential. The plant's drought tolerance and ability to grow in marginal lands make it particularly suitable for regions facing climate challenges 1 4 . Furthermore, its rapid growth—with trees beginning to bear fruit within 6-8 months—provides relatively quick returns compared to many other crops 4 .
The study concluded that external support could effectively address these barriers. Farmers identified several forms of assistance that would significantly increase their likelihood of engaging in commercial moringa cultivation:
On moringa cultivation and management techniques
Specifically tailored for moringa production
Machinery, tools, and farm inputs for cultivation and processing
| Intervention Type | Specific Forms of Support | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge Transfer | Training workshops, seminars on cultivation techniques | Improved yields and product quality |
| Financial Support | Loans for planting materials, processing equipment | Reduced barrier to entry |
| Technical Infrastructure | Provision of machinery, processing tools, drying facilities | Enhanced production efficiency |
| Market Linkages | Connection to buyers, value chain development | Improved income stability |
While the potential for moringa in the Philippines is significant, the country faces several challenges in industrializing moringa production. Research from the Central Philippine University highlighted that despite moringa's popularity as a backyard crop, little research had been conducted in the central Philippines until recently 6 .
Their research initiative, begun in 2009, focused on identifying promising moringa cultivars adapted to local conditions and developing improved crop management practices. Their work identified 'PKM-1' from India as a particularly promising cultivar, with maximum plant density of 40,000 plants per hectare and harvest frequency of 8-week intervals producing high leaf biomass yield 6 .
Source: Analysis of Philippine moringa production 7
Despite these challenges, promising developments are underway. The Central Philippine University has proposed organizing a regional R&D center for moringa to address challenges in areas including improved cultivars, seed production, crop management, post-harvest processing, and marketing 6 . Such initiatives could play a crucial role in bridging the gap between traditional farming practices and commercial market demands.
Source: Food Revolution Network 1
Identify improved cultivars and cultivation techniques adapted to local conditions.
Provide technical knowledge on commercial moringa cultivation and management.
Establish processing facilities and value chain connections.
Connect farmers to local and international moringa markets.
The case of Dipaculao, Aurora, reveals a complex but promising picture for moringa cultivation in the Philippines. The positive perceptions among farmers, coupled with the growing global market for moringa products, suggest significant potential for economic development.
The finding that demographic factors don't determine willingness to cultivate moringa is particularly encouraging, suggesting that moringa cultivation could be adopted by a wide range of farmers regardless of age, gender, or farm size. What matters most is providing the right support systems—knowledge transfer, financial resources, and technical infrastructure.
As research continues to validate moringa's nutritional and health benefits, and as markets for natural and sustainable products continue to expand, the opportunity for Filipino farmers continues to grow. With coordinated efforts between farmers, researchers, government agencies, and private sector partners, the "miracle tree" could indeed become a cornerstone of sustainable agricultural development in the Philippines and beyond.