Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) Regarding Moringa Oleifera: A study among rural community

Abstract

This cross-sectional survey assessed knowledge, attitudes and practices of Moringa Oleifera among 120 rural participants. Female respondents were in slight majority (58.3%), and most participants were from joint family background (66.7%) and had basic or secondary education. Agriculture was the extensive occupation (41.7%). Knowledge about Moringa Oleifera was moderate, as 58.3% were familiar with the tree, but had less in-depth knowledge about its components - pods and leaves were most known, while flowers, bark, seeds and roots were less known. Nutritional values ​​were known to 64.3%, while medicinal purposes and animal fodder use were less known. Most respondents (78.6%) had knowledge of Moringa preparations, in fact, 64.3% of those aware reported that they currently use it, cook it most of the time, and eat it weekly or occasionally. Its consumption was common (78.6%), yet among non-consumers, lack of information and unavailability were major barriers. These results identify high cultural acceptance and use of Moringa Oleifera in rural populations, yet also point to gaps in knowledge and access, which necessitate specific educational interventions to maximize its nutritional and medicinal benefits.