My research work, titled “Moringa oleifera-based Ethnobotanical Cropping Systems for Agroecosystem Resilience and Food Security,” examined the role of Moringa oleifera in improving crop productivity and soil fertility through sustainable intercropping and rotation systems. The study aimed to integrate ethnobotanical knowledge with scientific principles to enhance resource use efficiency, soil health, and yield stability in smallholder farming systems.

Conducted under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 DIVAGRI project, the research evaluated the performance of Moringa oleifera intercropped with maize (Zea mays L.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) over two growing seasons in Ghana’s Coastal Savannah zone. Seven cropping systems, including sole and intercropped combinations, were assessed for their effects on crop physiology, yield, and soil physicochemical properties.

Physiological measurements such as chlorophyll content, photosynthetic efficiency, and canopy light interception were determined using SPAD-502Plus, Hansatech Pocket PEA, and ACCUPAR LP-80 instruments. Soil samples were analyzed to evaluate organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, and nutrient status.

Results revealed that Moringa oleifera-based systems, particularly moringa–maize (MoMa) and moringa–maize–cowpea (MoMaC), significantly improved soil organic carbon (by 80–200%), enhanced nitrogen availability, and increased water-holding capacity by over 180%. The MoMa system boosted maize grain yield by 57% between seasons due to improved nitrogen cycling and soil structure.

These findings demonstrate that Moringa oleifera-based intercropping systems offer a sustainable pathway for improving crop productivity, soil fertility, and agroecosystem resilience. By combining indigenous ethnobotanical knowledge with ecological intensification, this research provides a viable model for restoring degraded tropical soils and strengthening food security in sub-Saharan Africa.