Empowering Farmers Through Mushroom Value Addition Training in Kabale and Rubanda



 

Mushroom Training and Resource Centre (MTRC), in partnership with Self Help Africa (SHA), recently conducted a four-day training on mushroom value addition for farmer groups in Kabale and Rubanda districts. The training, held from March 10th to 14th, 2025, aimed to equip farmers with practical skills to reduce post-harvest losses, enhance product quality, and increase profitability.

Women group members being taken through the basics of Mushroom Value Addition by our trainer

Why Mushroom Value Addition?

Mushrooms are highly perishable, making value addition a crucial step in improving shelf life and expanding market opportunities. Through this training, farmers learned essential techniques such as drying, powdering, and packaging, enabling them to produce high-quality mushroom products with longer storage potential.

Group members posing with finished Mushroom value added products after a successful training.

Training Highlights

The hands-on training covered:

  •  Sorting and packaging fresh mushrooms
  •  Drying using solar dryers
  •  Processing mushrooms into powder
  •  Packaging and branding for market readiness
  •  Cost-effective value addition techniques using locally available resources

Group members with some of the materials donate to be used during and after training

Four farmer groups successfully participated in the training:

  •  Rubanda District: Rugarambiro Mushroom Growers Group, Nyarurambi Mushroom Growers Group
  •  Kabale District: Mburashasho Mushroom Growers Group, Itara Mushroom Growers Group

Key Observations & Impact

  • Many farmers had limited prior knowledge of value addition but showed great enthusiasm in adopting new skills.
  • The training revealed a strong need for access to equipment such as solar dryers and packaging materials.
  • Farmers recognized the potential of value-added mushroom products to fetch higher prices and improve income.

Practical and inclusive mushroom value addition training

Looking Ahead

To build on this progress, we recommend:

  •  Strengthening market linkages for processed mushroom products.
  •  Providing financial support for farmers to acquire necessary equipment.
  •  Continuous mentorship and follow-up training sessions.
  •  Raising consumer awareness about the nutritional benefits of mushroom products.

With sustained support, mushroom value addition can transform the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Kabale and Rubanda, promoting food security and economic growth.

  •  MTRC remains committed to empowering farmers through sustainable agricultural solutions.
  •  Interested in learning more about mushroom value addition? Contact us today!

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