Advancing Sustainable Agriculture: Mushroom Cultivation in Lwengo District


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 are highly nutritious and in demand in both local and international markets, presenting a viable livelihood option for rural farmers.

The Journey: From Training to Practical Implementation
The project kicked off with a comprehensive feasibility study conducted by MTRC and ICF to identify suitable locations and prepare the farmers for the initiative. Once the site was approved, the project proceeded with the establishment of a mushroom demonstration garden.

Group members being taken through practical hanging of mushroom gardens

From November 13–15, 2024, MTRC conducted a three-day intensive training session for the Agalyawamu Farmer Group. The training included:

  • Introduction to Mushroom Cultivation: Covering the basics of mushroom farming and its benefits.
  • Substrate Management: Steps for sourcing, composting, and pasteurizing substrates.
  • Inoculation and Cultivation: Practical guidance on using spawn, maintaining ideal growing conditions, and harvesting.
  • Value Addition: Techniques for processing mushrooms into market-ready products.

The training was hands-on, with 90% of the sessions dedicated to practical work and 10% to theoretical lessons. Farmers also benefited from experience-sharing sessions and brainstorming exercises to address challenges and innovate solutions.

Equipping Farmers for Success
To support the farmers, MTRC provided essential resources, including tarpaulins, metallic drums, airtight containers, and 100 packets of mushroom spawn. These materials ensure farmers have the tools they need to start and sustain mushroom cultivation.

Group members receiving materials to be used in mushroom cultivation donated by ICF

Key Achievements and Observations

  • The demonstration garden now serves as a learning hub for group members to refine their skills.
  • Farmers recognized the potential of using agricultural waste, such as residues from beans and sorghum, as substrates at no extra cost.
  • The group’s organization makes collective marketing and resource pooling more feasible.

Looking Ahead
This initiative marks a significant step toward creating sustainable livelihoods for rural farmers. MTRC remains committed to supporting these farmers through mentorship, market linkages, and a buy-back program for their produce. This collaboration between MTRC and ICF underscores the transformative potential of partnerships in advancing sustainable agriculture and conservation.

Group members preparing substrate for sterilization

By equipping farmers with practical skills and resources, this project not only improves livelihoods but also contributes to the preservation of the natural habitat of grey-crowned cranes.

Group members taking part in participatory spawn inoculation.

For more updates on how MTRC is shaping sustainable agricultural practices, stay connected to our platform. Together, we can achieve lasting change.

Group members posing with inoculated mushroom gardens ready for dark room placement.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

PUM Expert Geert Lemmers Visits MTRC to Support Button Mushroom Project

Image
  We were honored to host Mr. Geert Lemmers, a mushroom cultivation expert from PUM (Programma Uitzending Managers) in the Netherlands, for a three-day technical support visit at the Mushroom Training and Resource Centre (MTRC) from Tuesday, 20th May to Thursday, 22nd May 2025. MTRC team posing with Mr. Geert at the Centre’s Head Office Mr. Lemmers arrived at Katuna border on Tuesday morning and was warmly received by the MTRC team. After checking into his hotel in Kabale, he visited our facility where he toured our site, inspected the container designated to serve as both a bunker and pasteurization unit for our new button mushroom project, and reviewed the compost preparation process currently underway. His expert insights helped us refine our composting approach and improve the efficiency of our operations. Mr. Geert having a one on one discussion with staff from MTRC The day continued with a delightful luncheon in his honor, followed by an in-depth theoretical training session ...
Read more

Kabale Secondary School S6 Entrepreneurship Class Trains at MTRC – April 1, 2025

Image
  At   Mushroom Training and Resource Center (MTRC) , we are committed to shaping the next generation of agripreneurs. On   April 1, 2025 , we had the privilege of hosting the   Senior Six Entrepreneurship class   from   Kabale Secondary School   for an in-depth training on mushroom cultivation and agribusiness. Students undergoing training at MTRC’s training hall What the Students Learned The session began with an  introduction to MTRC , where students were taken through: A  brief history  of our facility and its growth over the years  An  overview of our staff  and their roles in training and mushroom production  A  SWOT analysis  of our business—highlighting our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats  Our  impact on the community , including youth empowerment and food security  The  factors that favored our location , such as climate, market demand, and resource availability...
Read more

Uplifting Communities through Sustainable Mushroom Farming

Image
  MTRC’s Journey of Impact, Innovation, and Inclusion At the  Mushroom Training and Resource Centre (MTRC) , we believe that agriculture is a powerful vehicle for social and economic transformation. Since our establishment in 2007 in Kabale District, Uganda, MTRC has grown into a nationally recognized hub for mushroom training, production, and agribusiness development. Our work goes beyond farming — it’s about building capacity, creating jobs, improving nutrition, and conserving the environment. What We Do MTRC specializes in the cultivation of  Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushrooms)  and offers hands-on training to youth, women, organized farmer groups, and vulnerable communities. Our services include: A  certified spawn laboratory  producing high-quality mushroom spawn A fully equipped  mushroom demonstration unit  for practical skills training Value addition services  including drying, powdering, and packaging Tailored agribusiness mentors...
Read more