MORINGA FOR GERMAN EXPORTS WORKSHOP FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

COMPREHENSIVE WORKSHOP REPORT

Moringa Oleifera PKM1 & PKM2 Farming, Processing, Distribution, and Export Value Chain

Dates: 29th – 30th March 2025

Venues: University of Botswana (UB), Gaborone – Theoretical Sessions

Rasesa – Practical Field Demonstration

Facilitator: Elfas Mcloud Shangwa Zadzagomo – Hunter

Total Participants: 128

Organized by: Farmer’s Pride International (FPI)

International Delegates: Farmers from Swaziland and South Africa

1. Strategic Context and Introduction

 

In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), Farmer’s Pride International (FPI), together with Prime Promotions Botswana, hosted a transformational two-day Moringa Value Chain Workshop. The purpose of this event was to equip farmers, processors, and agri-entrepreneurs with knowledge and hands-on training across the entire Moringa Oleifera PKM1 and PKM2 value chain—from climate-smart farming to processing, distribution, and export readiness.

A total of 128 participants attended, including local farmers from across Botswana and invited guests from Swaziland and South Africa, making this a regional Southern African knowledge exchange platform.

The workshop was facilitated by Elfas Mcloud Shangwa Zadzagomo – Hunter, a Pan-African agribusiness leader and international advocate for sustainable agriculture and cluster-based development models. The workshop was a hybrid of classroom learning and practical demonstrations aligned to the Rural and Urban Agriculture Innovative Production Program (RUAIPP).

2. Workshop Objectives

• To introduce the high-yielding Moringa PKM1 and PKM2 hybrid varieties and their agroecological and commercial significance.

• To provide comprehensive training across the full value chain—farming, post-harvest processing, logistics, and exports.

• To promote climate-resilient farming practices, sustainable land management, and regenerative agriculture.

• To foster inclusive participation of women and youth in commercial agriculture.

• To facilitate the formation of Agriculture-Based Clusters (ABCs) for economies of scale, investment facilitation, and export competitiveness.

3. Overview of Day 1 – Theory Sessions at University of Botswana

 

Session 1: Understanding Moringa PKM1 & PKM2

• PKM1 and PKM2 originate from Periyakulam, India and are genetically enhanced for faster maturity, higher oil content, and increased leaf biomass.

• Their medicinal, nutritional, and agro-industrial value positions them as ideal crops for climate-smart agriculture in Southern Africa.

Session 2: Climate Resilient and Sustainable Farming

• Organic soil enrichment techniques such as vermicompost, mulching, and biochar.

• Water harvesting and drip irrigation systems for dryland farming.

• Use of intercropping and wind barriers to enhance ecological balance.

Session 3: Women and Youth Empowerment

• Emphasis on including young people and women in cluster leadership.

• Creation of value-chain financing models targeting female-headed households and youth-owned agribusinesses.

 

Session 4: Processing and Value Addition

• Demonstrations of solar and mechanical drying, grinding into powder, oil extraction, and cosmetic product infusion.

• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and compliance with Global Food Safety Standards.

• Packaging design, batch control, and digital traceability for exports.

Session 5: Distribution and Logistics

• Hunter introduced the concept of Agro-Logistics Cooperatives, led by local clusters for the aggregation, cooling, packaging, and transportation of products to processors or markets.

Session 6: Export Market Preparation

• Global demand analysis and market entry strategies for the EU, USA, Middle East, and Asia.

• Explanation of certifications: USDA Organic, EU-Bio, Ecocert, Fair Trade.

• Participants received export compliance templates, product specification sheets, and packaging samples.

4. Overview of Day 2 – Practical Session in Rasesa

Participants were transported to the FPI Rasesa Demonstration Plot, which was declared a Training and Innovation Hub for Moringa under RUAIPP. Here, Hunter conducted the hands-on training sessions covering:

A. Farming Techniques

• Site selection and soil analysis

• Bed preparation, transplanting, seedling management

• Spacing models for intensive leaf production and oilseed optimization

• Organic pest and disease control

 

B. Processing Demonstration

• Live demonstration of solar dryers, grinders, and manual oil extractors

• Participants saw leaf powdering, tea infusion, and seed oil pressing in action

• Safety protocols for food-grade and cosmetic-grade processing were emphasized

 

C. Distribution and Aggregation

• Creation of 5 working cluster-based logistics units

• Use of digital apps to monitor harvest schedules, collect produce, and coordinate delivery to processors

• Planning for establishment of storage hubs and mobile collection units

 

D. Export Preparation Simulation

• Completing export forms (Proforma Invoice, Packing List, Certificates of Analysis)

• Discussion on Incoterms, export duties, and trade insurance

• Mock buyer-seller interaction modeled for international trading

5. Regional Participation & Cross-Border Collaboration

 

The presence of farmers from Swaziland and South Africa enriched the learning environment and positioned this training as a Southern African agricultural harmonization initiative. Cross-border discussions were held on:

• Harmonizing production and quality standards for regional exports

• Establishing an Inter-SADC Moringa Exporters Network

• Opportunities for shared processing facilities along border regions

6. Key Outcomes and Impact

• 128 participants capacitated across the entire Moringa value chain

• Formation of 5 pilot Agriculture-Based Clusters (ABCs) for production, processing, and distribution

• 17 women-led cooperatives signed up for mentorship and investment linkage

• Farmer’s Pride International’s Rasesa field center was designated as the official regional hub for training

• Export pathways opened for at least 30 pilot farmers with the support of FPI and PPB

• A commitment was made to organize regional training workshops in Namibia, Zambia, and Swaziland later in the year

7. Recommendations and Next Steps

• Scale the model to other districts and neighboring countries using RUAIPP as the framework

• Create a Moringa Export & Innovation Council under the leadership of FPI and Prime Promotions Botswana

• Initiate partnerships with international certifying bodies to fast-track compliance

• Seek donor support to establish fully equipped mobile processing units and cluster storage hubs

• Integrate Moringa into national nutrition policies, export development strategies, and climate change adaptation programs

8. Conclusion

 

This workshop marked a historical leap in agro-industrial training in Botswana, establishing a scalable and inclusive model for commercial Moringa development. With Hunter’s facilitation, the participants were equipped not just to farm, but to process, distribute, and export Moringa products competitively.

 

By linking production to global markets and embedding gender, youth, and sustainability in all stages, this initiative has set a new benchmark in value chain development in Africa. The Southern African Moringa Movement has officially begun.

9. Contact Information

 

Hunter – Executive President

Hunter’s Global Network PTY LTD, Prime Promotions PTY LTD & Farmer’s Pride International

Plot: 12996, Mine Houses, Monarch, Francistown, Botswana

E-mails:

• hunter@hg-network.org

• president@primepromotions-BW.com

• hunter@farmerspride-int.org

Farmer’s Pride Linktree: https://linktr.ee/farmerspride.int

10. Hashtags for Donor and Export Engagement

 

#MoringaAfrica #MoringaExportReady #WomenInAgri #SmartProcessingAfrica

#FPIClusters #HunterAgroLeadership #ClimateSmartAfrica

#GreenGoldAfrica #MoringaPKM1 #PKM2FarmToExport

#AgroIndustrialAfrica #ValueAdditionBotswana #PrimePromotionsBotswana

#SADCExportGrowth #AfricaCanFeedTheWorld #SDG2 #SDG13 #YouthInFarming