Effect of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) on Human Development and its Impact on the Economy of Farmers in Obubra Rainforest Zone of Nigeria

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) has been found to be productive, serving nutritional, medicinal, pharmaceutical needs and, hence, holding economic value for the grower and marketer. Indeed, studies show that the growing of Okra has raised the standard of living/economy of local farmers. Apart from serving as food, the multitude of uses of Okra in herbal medicine indicate its value as a pharmaceutical. As a cash crop, demand and patronage has increased, there-by bringing more income to farmers and partly contributing to enhanced food/crop production, especially in developing countries such as Nigeria.