MUSHROOM TRAINING AND RESOURCE CENTRE

In November 2024, the Mushroom Training and Resource Centre (MTRC), in partnership with the International Crane Foundation (ICF), embarked on a significant initiative to establish a mushroom demonstration garden in Lwengo District. This project was tailored for the Agalyawamu Farmer Group, comprising 29 members (10 women and 19 men), to equip them with critical skills in mushroom cultivation as a means to enhance food security, boost household incomes, and conserve the environment. Group members kick starting the training with MTRC trainers Why Mushroom Farming? Mushroom farming is a climate-smart enterprise that stands out due to its minimal resource requirements and high returns. Mushrooms can be cultivated using agricultural waste as substrate materials, making it an eco-friendly solution that minimizes waste and pressure on land. The indoor nature of mushroom farming allows for space optimization and year-round production with limited water and energy inputs. Furthermore, mushrooms...

The Mushroom Training and Resource Centre (MTRC), with support from Self Help Africa (SHA), successfully conducted a transformative training program in Kabale and Rubanda Districts. This initiative aimed to equip eight farmer groups with essential skills in mushroom production, value addition, and marketing. Why This Training? The demand for locally produced mushrooms is growing rapidly, presenting a lucrative opportunity for farmers. However, many lack the technical skills needed to thrive in this market. Recognizing this gap, MTRC organized a comprehensive training program to empower women and youth with knowledge and tools to establish sustainable mushroom enterprises. What We Achieved Participants Trained : Eight groups (5 in Kabale and 3 in Rubanda), including the Kabuba Mushroom Growers Group, Kagano-Karenygere Mushroom Tukore Group, and others. Practical Skills Delivered : Substrate preparation, pasteurization, and spawn inoculation. Grow room management and pest control. Post-h...

On  11th October 2024 , the Mushroom Training and Resource Center (MTRC) marked a significant milestone in youth empowerment and agribusiness development by distributing  booster packages  to seven youth groups trained under our initiative. This effort was made possible through the generous support of the  AVSI Foundation’s SAY Project , which aims to enhance youth employment and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Purpose of the Booster Packages The booster packages were designed to equip these youth groups with essential resources needed to expand their agricultural activities and improve productivity. The distribution of these packages aligns with our mission to empower young people in agribusiness and foster self-reliance in their communities. Contents of the Booster Packages Each package was thoughtfully curated to address the specific needs of the youth groups and included the following items: Pigs : These will support piggery projects, providing a valu...

  Refresher Training of 120 Youth & Farm Exchange Visit     At the  Mushroom Training and Resource Center (MTRC) , we are dedicated to empowering youth through skills development in agriculture. On  16th September 2024 , we held a  refresher training  for  120 youth  under the Skilling in Agripreneurship for Increased Youth Employment (SAY) Project for four days. The participants, already trained in mushroom cultivation, enhanced their knowledge of advanced cultivation techniques, value addition, and entrepreneurship. In addition to this, a second group of  70 youth from 7 different groups —engaged in enterprises such as piggery, rabbit farming, Irish potato growing, and poultry—took part in an engaging  farm exchange visit  to  Katrico Farm in Rubaare . Supported by the  AVSI Foundation , this visit exposed the youth to diverse agricultural practices including biogas production, poultry, mushroom farming, piggery...